158th Field Artillery Volume Number 1 The Centennial Review

One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth
Field Artillery
THE
CENTENNIAL
REVIEW
Volume No. 1
John T. Jenson
Presented to the soldiers of the
158th Field Artillery Battalion
And made possible by private donations from: Anita and Pete Bernier, Andy Callihan, Jacqueline
Cochran, Larry and Billie Haub, James Heston, Frank Horton, Beatrice Jenson, Daryl and Lisa McCall,
John Miller, Vincent Moscatello, Antonio Olvera, Dave Slezickey, Jay Wick, and Jimmy Wynne.
Copyright © 2019 by John T. Jenson

U. S. Library of Congress Control Number 2018957292
[1]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication ..................................................................................................................... 3
Preface ........................................................................................................................... 4
100 Years of Service...................................................................................................... 4
What is a Regiment....................................................................................................... 5
The Beginning ............................................................................................................... 7
World War II ................................................................................................................. 10
Korean War ................................................................................................................... 17
Cold War ....................................................................................................................... 22
Persian Gulf War .......................................................................................................... 24
Global War on Terrorism ............................................................................................. 31
Stations of Organizations ............................................................................................. 37
Battalion Commanders. ............................................................................................... 41
Lineage .......................................................................................................................... 47
Battalion Colors ............................................................................................................ 49
Distinctive Unit Insignia .............................................................................................. 53
Organizational Shoulder Patch .................................................................................... 54
Guidons ......................................................................................................................... 57
[2]
DEDICATION
This is dedicated to the memory of those brave officers and men of the 158th Field Artillery, who so
unselfishly sacrificed all, and died in their country’s service.
WORLD WAR II
Tec. 4 John C. Athey 20830709 15 July 1943

1 Lt. Capers R. Wactor O-1170594 17 July 1943
Pfc. Lonnie B. Nobles 20830347 18 July 1943
Tec. 5 Woodrow C. King 20830595 02 August 1943
Tec. 5 Louis P. Pool 20830994 19 August 1943
Pfc. Lawrence C. Sparkman 38017351 14 September 1943
Pfc. Melvin Marshall 35109156 15 September 1943
Cpl. Willis N. Jarboe 38023598 05 October 1943
Pvt. James H. Ballman 35109156 16 November 1943
Pfc. Melvin W. Davidson 33076007 17 November 1943
Pfc. Philip A. Kelley 32371908 08 January 1944
Pfc. John H. Priest 34303066 18 January 1944
Tec. 4 Albert M. Schoelen 38017382 29 January 1944
Tec. 5 Rudy W. Bohn 19074386 29 January 1944
Tec. 5 Curtis H. Davis 20830734 29 January 1944
Pfc. Ernest C. Cain 20830730 29 January 1944
Pfc. Donald K. Harvey 35168648 29 January 1944
Pfc. Lucion J. Hicks 20830863 29 January 1944
Pfc. Paul N. Davis 20830735 29 January 1944
Pfc. Aime W. Vezina 31116662 29 January 1944
Pvt. Hartwell E. Wolgram 20830768 29 January 1944
Pfc. Charles W. Daffara 36049565 30 January 1944
Pvt. Nathaniel P. Bailey 36550990 01 February 1944
2 Lt. Eldon A. Miller O-2055867 13 February 1944
Sgt. Lawrence Shea 20830821 18 February 1944
Pvt. Clarence F. Swope 35352845 18 February 1944
2 Lt. George T. Robinson O-1178952 22 February 1944
Tec. 5 Francis H. Pownall 38023282 29 February 1944
Pvt. Benjamin A. Kowalski 32774654 13 March 1944
Pvt. Joe Curley 38017433 30 March 1944
Pvt. John V. Blake 33479433 03 June 1944
Pvt. Clement C. Ward 11078830 03 June 1944
Cpl. Willie V. Stinson 38018445 08 June 1944
Pvt. Stanley F. Novak 35292229 15 August 1944
Pvt. James Ditonna 32918145 15 August 1944
Tec. 4 James F. Shuck 35168996 20 August 1944
Pfc. John Charmo 32348489 21 August 1944
Tec. 5 Arthur A. Rosenthal 32899011 04 December 1944
1 Lt. Harold Bernstein O-1179295 10 April 1945
Pvt. Leonard P. Nelson 34208331 30 April 1945
KOREAN WAR
1 Lt. Charles L. Warner O-10573529 16 June 1952

Sgt. Richard L. Mansfield 56085673 02 July 1952
Pfc. Jack H. Taktakian 55075867 03 August 1952
Pfc. Martin S. Eskin 55185922 25 August 1952
1 Lt. Earle S. Downes O-1688327 26 March 1953
[3]
PREFACE
The 158th Field Artillery’s history is based upon twentieth century legislation and national defense
posture. Having an awareness of these will enable an objective assessment and a historical understanding
of why “it is so.” The past is reflected in the future when new developments are instituted in the present.
Our history relies heavily upon source materials that are available and archived. Through the years there
may be no evidence in existence and the possibilities are limited to memory, which is subjective and
although it provides great stories, it really doesn’t fill the gaps. There is a hierarchy of reliability, the
premise being that the closer to the official record the more likelihood that it is more accurate than the
hearsay from the “the good ole days’” and “war stories”.
I make no claim to possess special qualifications for this volume of work. The only claim is that I tried to
take every precaution to assure the accuracy and trustworthiness of the historical resources, however
errors can always be expected because some events were not documented, dates were found to be
incorrect because the records that they were ascribed from did not agree, all because this work had been
prepared from an era where there was little or no effort to archive any large possessions of records, so
every effort was made to substantiate the records on hand. If any circumstance of error or variance was
encountered during the research my rule of thumb was to go to the official record or as we say in the
Army, “just the facts, Jack!”
I am especially indebted to this organization as it let me achieve an unexpected military career goal and it
confirmed my realization that the life-blood of any military organization is in its officers, enlisted men,
and non-commissioned officers. This volume is presented to the soldiers of the 158th Field Artillery, past
present and future.
Just from the mere act of time passing, facts can be open to interpretation and indeed they can be viewed
differently by different people. For this reason I have compiled U. S. Library of Congress PCN 2018957292
volumes:
Volume No. 1 “Centennial Review”

Volume No. 2 “Battle Campaigns and Honors”
Volume No. 3 “World War II”
Volume No. 4 “Korean War”
Volume No. 5 “Persian Gulf War”
Volume No. 6 “Global War on Terrorism”
Volume No. 7 “Cold War”
Volume No. 8 “Unit Photos and Official Rosters”
Volume No. 9 “Official Journal” 1920 to 1945
Volume No. 12 “Official Journal” 1996 to Present
Copyright © 2019 by John T. Jenson. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations included in critical articles and
reviews. For information, please contact the author.
100 YEARS OF SERVICE

The 158th Field Artillery has undergone a massive transformation since its initial creation and armament
as a 75mm horse drawn regiment to its present armament as a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and
through these changes has left a strong legacy of patriotism that still endures today.
The aim of this “Centennial Review” is to take a small glimpse into these one hundred years of service.
This unit has the distinction of rendering service in World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War,
and in the Global War on Terrorism where it served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
[4]
Forty five men of the 158th Field Artillery played a gallant role, responding to the needs of our country,
and gave the greatest sacrifice on the field of honor at the hands of hostile forces. Twenty three men were
captured as prisoners of war, imprisoned for a total of 7,633 days.
The 158th Field Artillery fired a total of 307,115 rounds of ammunition in World War II and 368,459
rounds of ammunition during the Korean War, and spent 511 days in combat during World War II and
429 days in combat in Korea.
The creation of the 158th Field Artillery Regiment was the impetus for building armories in multiple cities
including Anadarko, Clinton, Duncan, Kingfisher, Perry, Sulphur, and Weatherford, Oklahoma. More
than $2,000,000 Works Program Administration (WPA) dollars were funneled into local economies and
since a high percentage of these dollars were wages, it created jobs.
But no organization has ever succeeded without the guidance of leadership. The creation of the 158th
Field Artillery required the emergence of Officers and the empowerment of Non-Commissioned Officers
(NCOs) to maintain the standards. NCO’s shaped the curriculum, taught the soldiers drill, marksmanship,
conducted the instructional battle drills and enforced the discipline the end result being a unit that
continues to fly its’ battalion “colors” in celebration of its 100th birthday!
I wanted to focus on the era I knew best, however when you look over 100 years ago, the technologies of
the 75mm horse drawn gun that seemed innovative and transformative in 1920 have been surpassed
beyond anything that could have been imagined, so I choose to focus on the distinct accomplishments of
the organization.
WHAT IS A REGIMENT
Throughout the history of warfare there has always been a need for a more flexible and lethal military
unit. The regiment satisfied this need because it offered increased maneuverability and firepower.
At the end of the 16th century, armies evolved from the massing of large groups into more formal,
organized, and specialized forces. The French term ”régiment” or government rule; is considered to have
been introduced as a military term describing an army unit. During this period, regiments were formed,
they were usually named after their benefactor, they were single-arms (cavalry, lancers, artillery, etc.),
they would often serve several different countries and monarchies and then they would disband at the end
of the campaign.
In the 17th century, standing armies were now combining infantry, cavalry and artillery regiments into a
single front-line force that exploited their combined-arms and calling them brigades.
By the beginning of the 18th century, regiments had evolved into permanent units with distinctive titles
and uniforms, each under the command of a colonel. When at full strength, a regiment normally
comprised of two or more battalions and on a campaign, the regiments were soon reduced by casualties
where it became necessary to withdraw them from the campaign and garrison them in the same military
district while recruits were being trained. It soon became a practice to alternate battalions between
"garrison" and "front line" service where the regiment seldom came together as a single entity.
European armies soon adopted the use of conscription to fill the ranks and the front-line unit was soon
assumed by independent battalions and similarly-sized units. However, these non-regimental units
tended to be short-lived.
The “regimental system” had allowed regiments to retain their traditional responsibilities of recruitment
and induction of new recruits. Regiments normally recruited from specific geographical areas, and they
usually incorporated the place name into the regimental name. Many regiments recruited from ethnic
groups or foreigners much like the Gurkhas and the French Foreign Legion. Regiments had developed
their own unique unitary history and traditions, and administrating to the soldier's entire military career.
[5]
When comparing the “regimental system” to the new and much adopted “continental system,” the
division soon became the functional army unit and the division commander became the administrator of
all aspects of the division's subordinate units. Battalion commanders were just another officer in the chain
of command, officers were transferred in and out of the division. Soldiers filled vacant slots with no real
sense of camaraderie or “espirit de corps” regarding unit affiliation.
In 1981 a regimental framework was institutionalized to provide every soldier the opportunity for
continuous affiliation with a regiment that would increase the probability of serving recurring
assignments with that regiment. It was called the United States Army Regimental System (USARS) and it
gave back to the soldier the choice of regimental affiliation, but more importantly it offered the sense of
belonging and being wanted by their regiment and country.
A typical army regiment is commanded by a colonel and divided into two or more maneuver battalions. A
regiment has the capability of becoming a separate battalion or company with its own organic
headquarters element. It usually operates as a major element of a larger force (brigade or division) with
its mission being assigned by the larger force commander. The larger force coordinates the movement and
actions of the regiment and other subordinate units to assure its own mission accomplishment.
During World War II the typical infantry regiment had three battalions and each battalion had four rifle
companies. The battalions were numbered as First, Second and Third Battalions of the numbered infantry
regiment and the companies were lettered as “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” Companies of the First battalion and
“E”, “F’, “G”, and “H” Companies of the Second battalion and lastly “I”, “K”, “L”, and “M” Companies of
the Third battalion. Letter “J” was not used.
A typical field artillery regiment had two battalions and each battalion had three “firing” batteries.
Regiments had six Gun-Batteries, so in regiments having two batteries in a battalion, there would be three
battalions and in regiments having three batteries in a battalion, there would be two battalions. The
battalions are numbered as First, Second or Third Battalions of the numbered artillery regiment and the
batteries are lettered as “A”, “B”, and “C” Batteries of the First battalion and “D”, “E’, and “F” Batteries of
the Second battalion.
The U.S. Army uses the phonetic alphabet so in accordance the lettered units are addressed phonetically.
Example: Company “A” is phonetically referred to as “Alpha Company” and Battery “C” is phonetically
referred to as “Charlie Battery.”
Army hierarchy starts first with a soldier, squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment, brigade, division,
corps and finally the army. In lieu of using squad and company, the field artillery uses section and battery,
respectively.
The sizes of the units are determined by the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) and in regards
to the field artillery the TO&E is based on the field piece used. The 158th Field Artillery Regiment was
initially organized under Table of Organization No. # 38W, 75-mm Gun, Horse Drawn Artillery. A 75-mm
gun is a field piece of comparatively flat trajectory and high muzzle velocity.
The regiment is organized with a Regimental Headquarters, a Headquarters Battery, 6 firing batteries, 2
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery and Combat Trains, a Service Battery, a Medical Detachment and a
Band. The First Battalion consisted of “Alpha”, “Bravo”, and “Charlie” Batteries and First Battalion
Headquarters Battery and Combat Train. The Second Battalion consisted of “Delta”, “Echo”, and “Foxtrot”
batteries and Second Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Train.
[6]
A battery consists of four pieces of like type and caliber with the personnel and equipment necessary for
maintenance, maneuver and delivery of fire. The word battery is also used to designate certain artillery
units other than those containing artillery weapons, but when so used the name of the unit contains also a
descriptive word; for example, “Headquarters Battery.”
THE BEGINNING
The modern militia or “National Guard”, as we know it today, is a product of the Constitution of the
United States of America. The constitutional basis for the modern militia system is found in Article I,
Section 8, clause 15 & 16 and the Second Amendment. Today’s modern National Guard is governed, in
part, by federal statute and has steadily evolved into a modern system of almost complete federal
regulation and control. The state of Oklahoma has a militia and we know it as the “National Guard”. The
state’s militia is a part of the executive department of the Oklahoma and may be used for police
augmentation, civil disturbance control, natural disaster relief, or any other lawful purpose pertaining to
security of the state and its citizens. The governor is the commander-in-chief of the militia and is
generally responsible for its operations.
The United States also has a militia, and the federal militia is composed of the militia of the fifty states
when properly called into active federal service during times of war or national emergency. The militia is
an institution older than our Constitution, created by English common law for its colonies. Prior to the
Revolutionary War, each colony had a militia whose main purpose was to protect the colonists from
Indian raids, threats, and keep the peace. When the War of Independence started, these militia or
minutemen defected to create the Continental Army but once independence was won, the Continental
Army was disbanded. A few states maintained a militia to act as an independent military force. The First
Congress, recognized the need for the establishment of a standing army and passed the Act of 1789 which
gave birth to the U. S. Army. The Act of 1789 authorized the President to draft militia and fill the federal
ranks. Units ranging from single companies to entire regiments were employed into federal service from
the War of 1812 through the Spanish-American War in 1898.
This system remained undisturbed until 1903. At the turn of the twentieth century the U. S. Army was
small, unprepared and under equipped for modern warfare compared to other armies. This was soon
realized shortly after the Spanish-American War by the then Secretary of War, Elihu Root who soon
started a new reformation. He saw the need for modernization of weapons, training, financing and
[7]
organization. In 1902 Secretary of War Root and Major General Charles Dick, a member of the U. S.
House of Representatives as well as commander of the Ohio Militia proposed new legislation to equalize
the state militias with the Regular Army. In 1903 the Dick Act was passed, which basically replaced the old
Militia Act of 1792. This Act federally oriented the reserve forces and freed them from state control. It
increased federal funding to compensate Guardsmen for the now required 24 drills each year, also militia
officers could now attend schools. The War Department would now assign Regular Army officers as
advisers and instructors and enabled states to exchange their outdated weapons and equipment for
current issue. They also established the Militia Affairs Bureau, the forerunner of today’s National Guard
Bureau, to oversee the organizations and training. Although the 1903 Dick Act was a benchmark and it
was instrumental in strengthening the state militias there was still a great divide between the Reserve and
Regular Army forces. In the first half of 1916, U.S. Army regulars as well as National Guard forces were
called to face the Mexican rebel leader “Pancho” Villa during his raids on states in the American
Southwest. President Woodrow Wilson and Congress saw the need to reinforce the nation’s armed forces
and increase U.S. military state of preparedness.
Thus Wilson signed the National Defense Act, ratified by Congress in May 1916 into law on June 3. This
Act, a milestone in the Army’s history, brought state militias under federal control and more importantly
gave the president authority, in case of war or national emergency, to mobilize the National Guard for the
duration of the emergency. Its design and purpose was to give Federal aid, assistance, and supervision
from the Federal Government in the organization and training of National Guard units and retain the
rights to call the National Guard into Federal service when necessary. Also any state troops or officers of
the Organized Militia by whatever name designated who existed prior to the act of June 3, 1916, would not
be a part of the National Guard, unless they have specifically qualified for and received Federal
recognition as by the War Department. “Federal recognition” is defined as the acceptance by the Federal
Government of officers or enlisted men who have complied with the provisions of the act of June 3, 1916,
and who are entitled to the benefits of the act. This National Defense Act mandated that the term
“National Guard” be used to refer to the network of state militias and that they be used as the primary
reserve force for the U.S. Army.
All National Guard units would now be organized and trained to the standards of regular Army units. The
federal government would be obligated to pay guardsmen because Annual training was increased from 5
to 15 days per year and drills were increased from 24 per year to 48. This National Defense Act also
established the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) which would train and prepare high school and
college students for Army service. In that November of 1916, Wilson was re-elected with the campaign
slogan “He kept us out of the war”, but by the following spring, Wilson had moved the United States to the
brink of war after German attacks on American interests at sea. On April 2, 1917, he would go before
Congress to ask for a declaration of war. Four days later, the U.S. formally entered World War I and it
became very evident that it would require a far larger army than ever before to win this conflict in Europe.
Although the National Defense Act of 1916 authorized the end strength of 165,000 for the Regular Army
and 450,000 for the National Guard, but by 1917 both services were struggling with shortages of 44,000
and 269,000 respectively.
President Wilson wanted to use a volunteer force to supply the manpower needed to fight, but it soon
became apparent that this would be almost impossible, especially when President Wilson wanted the
army to increase to a force of one million strong. The new Secretary of War, Newton Baker recommended
a conscripted draft which President Wilson approved of and it soon became legislated as the Selective
Service Act or Selective Draft Act of 1917.
The guidelines of the Act called for all males aged 21 to 30 to register for the draft. By the end of World
War I, 2.8 million men had been drafted.
The U.S. Army returned to its peacetime policies of modernizing the army, and in 1920 the new National
Defense Act was signed into law. This Act authorized the largest peacetime army in the history of the
United States with a ceiling of 280,000 for the Regular Army and 435,000 for the National Guard. This
new Act outlined a readiness scheme that continues to shape military readiness to this day. The act
divided the continental United States into nine corps areas, each corps area to have one Regular Army
division, two National Guard divisions, and three Reserve divisions, for a total of fifty-four divisions.
[8]
Congress never came close to appropriating enough money for the ceiling strength resulting in Regular
Army strength reduction. Theoretically, the Regular Army divisions were supposed to be ready for
deployment in 20 days after the call up and the National Guard in 30 days. Nevertheless the National
Guard enjoyed this era of prosperity due to the priority for manning and equipping the 18 new divisions, 2
separate infantry regiments in Hawaii and Porto Rico and a Coast Artillery corps. The divisions kept their
unit nicknames and designations adopted during World War I.
The Militia Bureau issued the following letter to the Adjutant General of Oklahoma on 26 February 1920
and by authority of this letter constituted the organization of “ 1 Regiment Field Artillery (75mm.) and
conforming with the 1921 War Department’s General Order #5, was numbered as the” One Hundred and
Fifty-Eight” Field Artillery Regiment :
WAR DEPARTMENT
MILITIA BUREAU
Washington
MB. 325.4--Okla. February 26, 1920

HAF/1LT
From: The Chief, Militia Bureau.
To: The Adjutant General of Oklahoma.
Subject: Additional allotment of National Guard units.
1. Certain changes in the allotment of National Guard troops has made it necessary for the Militia Bureau
to add to the ultimate allotment of National Guard to the State of Oklahoma the following units:
1 Regiment Field Artillery (155 mm.)
1 Battalion Engineers
1 Headquarters Company Engineers
1 Engineer Train (Headquarters and Supply sections only)
1 Headquarters Troop, Infantry Division.
With the addition of the units listed above the ultimate allotment to Oklahoma will become
1 Division Headquarters Troop
1 Brigade Headquarters Infantry
2 Regiments Infantry
1 Separate Battalion Infantry (to be converted into machine-gun units when Regular Army
organization is finally adopted)
1 Regiment Cavalry (This may later be assigned elsewhere)
1 Regiment Engineers and Train
1 Battalion Signal Corps.
In addition to the above there may be allotted to Oklahoma certain units for use as Corps or Army troops
the composition of which has not yet been fixed. As indicated the Cavalry regiment may later be assigned
to another state if the Oklahoma authorities find their allotment too heavy.
2. The allotment for the present fiscal year which has been accepted by the Oklahoma authorities is
composed as follows:
2 Regiments Infantry
1 Battalion Field Artillery (75 mm.)
1 Company Engineers
1 Company Signal Corps (Radio)
1 Field Hospital Company.
[9]
The Field Hospital Company is the nucleus of a sanitary train which is contemplated for Corps use. The
organization of this unit need not be assumed by the Oklahoma authorities if such action will handicap
the prompt organization of the remaining units, all of which enter into the composition of an Infantry
Division.
3. In addition to the units accepted for the present fiscal year the Militia Bureau hopes that the Oklahoma
authorities, who have heretofore displayed such commendable energy in handling National Guard affairs,
will undertake the task of organizing the following additional units:
1 Battalion Field Artillery (155 mm.) (to be expanded into a regiment)
2 Companies Engineers (raising the present assignment to 1 battalion).
The Militia Bureau is particularly impressed with the necessity for organizing the additional Field Artillery
regiments, and it is believed that Oklahoma, having the advantage of being accessible to the Artillery
School at Fort Sill, is best prepared to undertake the formation of this unit. The Militia Bureau is also
counting upon the energy which the Oklahoma authorities have already demonstrated.
4. The Militia Bureau will take prompt action on issuing the necessary authorization upon notification
from the office of the Adjutant General of Oklahoma.
J. McI. Carter
Major General, G. S., U. S. Army
Copies furnished-
OICMA, So. Dept.
Col. Finch.
Mr. Ludwig.
WORLD WAR II
The 158th Field Artillery Regiment was inducted into federal service on 16 September 1940, it was under
the command of Colonel Grover C. Wamsley. Following a brief stay at their home stations after induction,
the division assembled at Fort Sill, OK., and began its training with all units being brought up to
authorized personnel and equipment strength.
In early 1941, the 45th Infantry Division moved from Fort Sill, OK, to Camp Barkeley, near Abilene, Texas
and on 11 February 1942 the division was reorganized and changed from a square division to a new type
infantry division that was triangular in concept. A square division was a designation given to the way
military divisions were once organized, in this case the 45th Infantry Divisions’ main fighting force was
composed of four regimental elements; the 157th, 158th, 179th and 180th Infantry Regiments. Because
two regiments were bound together to form a brigade, the 157th and 158th Infantry Regiments formed the
89th Infantry Brigade and the 179th and 180th Infantry Regiments formed the 90th Infantry Brigade. On
an organizational chart and if the entire division were formed up in the field, the two brigades of two
regiments would typically form a square, hence the name. The square division also had an artillery
brigade of three artillery regiments. The 45th Infantry Division had the 70th Field Artillery Brigade which
consisted of the 158th, 160th, and the 189th Field Artillery Regiments. A triangular division has its main
fighting force organized into three regiments which were smaller and versatile. The 45th Infantry Division
maneuver forces were now based around the 157th, 179th, and 180th Infantry Regiments. There was no
longer an artillery brigade but rather a Division Artillery (DivArty) consisting of four artillery battalions
and now assigned to the division were the 158th, 160th, 171st, and 189th Field Artillery Battalions. After
the reorganization LTC Russell Dwight Funk was appointed as the Battalion Commander where he
commanded throughout World War II, from 11 February to 1 June 1945.
As a result of this change in organization, the First Battalion, Medical Detachment and Band of the 158th
Field Artillery Regiment, became the 158th Field Artillery Battalion in the Division Artillery of the
reorganized 45th Infantry Division. The 158th Field Artillery armament had been changed to 105-mm
towed howitzers by this time. The Second Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, was separated from
the 45th Infantry Division and became the 207th Field Artillery Battalion. This separate battalion served
[10]
in Panama, Canal Zone and later served in the European Theater of Operations (ETO), where in 1944 it
was changed from a 105mm Howitzer Battalion to an 8-inch Howitzer, Tractor-Drawn Battalion. It was
inactivated 16 November 1945 at Camp Kilmer, NJ.
The 158th Field Artillery Battalion went through several change of stations, including moves to Fort
Devens, MA, in April 1942; then to Pine Camp, NY in November 1942; to Camp Pickett, VA in January
1943, and finally they moved with the rest of the 45th Infantry Division to Camp Patrick Henry, VA, for
preparation to depart the United States for destination unknown. The 158th Field Artillery Battalion,
commanded by Lt Col Russell D. Funk, while stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia, received orders
attaching it to the 157th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) as the normal supporting artillery and to
prepare to move to a port of embarkation upon order. As a member of the 157th RCT, the battalion was
trained to provide close support artillery fire for the Infantry when and as needed through artillery
forward observer teams located with the leading elements of the Infantry.
The U.S. Navy ships were combat loaded at Hampton Roads, VA. The convoy of naval transports with the
45th Infantry Division on board departed the United States on June 8, 1943. The destination proved to be
Oran, North Africa, where personnel went ashore for a brief period of time. Training exercises were
conducted including the off loading of personnel and equipment from ships into landing craft in practice
for the amphibious invasion, which was a few days ahead.
On 5 July 1943, the convoy departed Oran, North Africa as a part of the Seventh U.S. Army, under
command of Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr., with destination unknown, but all personnel were
now reading “The Soldier’s Guide to Sicily.”
The division was under II Corps, commanded by Major General Omar N. Bradley. On board ship, live
ammunition was issued and everyone knew this was for real and they could expect their own fire to be
answered by enemy fire. The 157th RCT was assigned a landing sector near Scoglitti, on the southern
shore of Sicily. Despite very rough weather and high seas, most of the landings were successful and the
157th RCT moved inland. By nightfall most of its initial objectives had been secured. During the days that
followed, heavy fighting continued in a general movement of the division to the north toward the
Palermo-Messina Highway on the north coast of Sicily. On 14 July 1943, Tec4 Bernard Griffith, ASN:
35131811, and SSgt Robert E. Shipman, ASN: 20830758, were captured and held in the German POW
Camps of Stalag Luft 3 for 738 days and Stalag 7A for 716 days, respectively. On 15 July 1943 Tec5 John C.
Athey, ASN: 20830709, on 17 July 1943, 1Lt Capers R. Wactor, OSN: O-1170594, and on 18 July 1943, Pfc
Lonnie B. Nobles, were killed in action.
After reaching the Palermo-Messina north coastal road, the division advanced to the east toward Messina.
High above the coast road to Messina and east of the Tusa River is Hill 335. This hill mass actually
consists of five peaks, each of which was manned by enemy Infantry with emplaced artillery and mortars.
The German high command had ordered this area held at all costs as it blocked the way to Messina. The
enemy’s comprehensive observation of the road and coast together with textbook fields of fire mad the
reduction of this hill mass an awesome task. The 157th Infantry Regiment supported by the 158th Field
Artillery Battalion was given the objective of Hill 335.
The action began on 26 July 1943, with the crossing of the Tusa River completed on 28 July 1943.. Our
Infantry suffered its heaviest casualties in combat up to that time during the 29th and 30th when it gained
the objective in the face of a murderous defense. This fight came to be known throughout the division as
“Bloody Ridge.” It was the toughest fight of the Sicilian Campaign for the soldiers of the 45th Infantry
Division. On 31 July 1943, the 45th Infantry Division in its entirety was relieved by the 3rd Infantry
Division and the 45th moved to rear areas for a well-deserved rest.
At 1815 hours 1 August 1943, a complete relief had been accomplished and the battalion moved into
bivouac area five miles east of Termini-Imerese. It remained in bivouac and rest area until 15 August
1943. Plans were being finalized, which ordered the 157th RCT to make another amphibious landing. After
two days of planning and constant changing it was decided that the combat team would load out at two
points. All personnel would load on Landing Craft, Tank (LCT’s) at Termini-Imerese and all vehicles at
San Stefano. On 2 August 1943, Tec5 Woodrow C. King, ASN: 20830595, and on 19 August 1943, Tec5
[11]
Louis P. Pool Jr., ASN: 20830994, were killed in action.
Leaving Sicily on 8 September 1943 aboard Landing Ship, Tanks (LST’s) and Landing Craft, Infantry
(LCI’s), the 157th RCT was enroute to Salerno, Italy, when news came on the radio that the Italian
government had surrendered, however, the German Army had not. The division was now a part of the
Fifth U.S. Army under the command of Lieutenant General Mark Clark. On September 1943, the first
assault waves of the 36th Infantry Division, engaged in its first combat, landed on the beaches near
Salerno, Italy, and encountered intense tank and artillery fire. The 157th Infantry Regiment, accompanied
by the 158th Field Artillery Battalion, landed on D + 1 and passed through the 36th Infantry Division to
extend the beachhead.
German resistance increased daily with all factors of terrain and observation favoring the enemy. Five
days after the initial landing, ferocity of the German counterattacks increased to an extent that brought
doubts about the beachhead being held. At this time, Major General Troy H. Middleton, Commanding
General of the Division, sounded the cry that turned the tide. “Put food and ammunition behind the 45th
– we’re going to stay here.” The German back was broken in their attempt to destroy the beachhead.
Accompanied by the 3rd and 36th Infantry Divisions, the 45th Infantry Division moved inland against the
retreating enemy as the cold and rain of the Italian winter set in. Also the height of the mountains
defended by the Germans increased.
September 1943, started with the battalion bivouacked in the vicinity of Trabia, Sicily, resting,
refurbishing arms and equipment and training. On 3 September 1943 the Division Commander called a
conference of Regimental and separate Battalion Commanders to acquaint them with plans for the
invasion of Italy, as part of the VI Corps of the Fifth Army. Initial plans called for the attachment of the
158th Field Artillery Battalion, among other units, to the 157th Infantry, as a Combat Team. Water
transport consisting of 4 each LST’s and 21 each LCIs, less necessary LCIs to completely load the 179th
RCT. The 157th RCT to load in anticipation of landing on the mainland on D-day. Detailed plans of the
157th RCT called for the transport of the bulk of this Battalion, Battalion Headquarters; Battery “A“ and
Battery “C” to accompany the Regimental Headquarters, the 1st Battalion and the 3rd Battalion RCT on
the first lift. Battery “B“ with the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry RCT and the remainder of this Battalion to
load so as to land with the second lift, D + 5. Batteries “A“ and “C“ submitted detailed loading plans on 4
September 1943. Battery “B” and Service Battery were alerted on 5 September 1943, to prepare them to
load with first lift so as to land on D-day. Surplus baggage and personnel were to arrive on lift No. 2, plans
for loading and passenger lists, were completed by Battery Commanders and submitted to this
Headquarters. It was decided that Maj Huber, Battalion Executive Officer would accompany Lt Col
Russell D. Funk, the Commanding Officer and Capt Cleverdon, S-2 with the Command group of the RCT
on the 1st Battalion RCT LST.
At 1430 on 7 September 1943 the 158th received information that Battery “C” would begin loading at
1500, followed by Battery “A” and the Command group, and the RCT would receive one less LST. Plans
were hastily revised and the loading plan was changed to reduce the number vehicles of Headquarters
Battery that were included in the first lift and take Battery “B”, reduced, with Headquarters Battery.
Arrangements were made for the redistribution of loads; then the Battalion Commander with the
remainder of the Battalion Command group hurriedly drove for the docks at 2200, there to be greeted
with the rumor that, win, lose or draw, the fleet would close ramps and weigh anchor at 2400. It was self-
evident that the prescribed ammunition loads would not be aboard many of the craft prior to that hour,
and this had to be accomplished before the materiel could be stowed away. Amid the confusion gender by
the blackout, rumors and the paucity of quay area the Battalion Commander and his staff and Battery
Officers checked the arrival and disposition of materiel, troops and maps and found all craft of the RCT
loaded according to the finally changed plans. At 0420 hours on 8 September 1943, the convoy set sail
from the harbor of Termini, Sicily. The remainder of the day was uneventful until mid-afternoon, when at
1517 hours German planes loosed six-100 lb bombs at the right flank of the convoy; damage was not
apparent. At 1845 hours a message was intercepted on the ship’s radio that Italy accepted Allied terms of
unconditional surrender.
At 0400 hours on 9 September 1943, the convoy arrives at Agropoli, Italy starts the landing taking up
positions north of the River Sele. The Germans start counterattacking with tanks and infantry, thus starts
[12]
the Battle of Salerno. On 14 and 15 September 1943, Cpl Lawrence C. Sparkman, ASN: 38017351, and Pfc
Melvin C. Marshall, ASN: 35109137, are killed in action, respectively. Finally on 18 September 1943, the
U.S forces were able to start advancing north to Eboli, fighting their way through Oliveto, through San
Angelo de Lombardi until they reached the Benevento, expending a total of 13,179 rounds. Here the men
rested, taking baths in the River Calore, washing clothes and equipment and letter writing, so ends the
month.
October 1, 1943 found the 158th Field Artillery Battalion rested and advancing up the Calore Valley to
Benevento where heavy resistance from enemy gun positions were encountered in the vicinity of Ponte,
Fragneto L’Abate, and Guardia. Most of these were flat trajectory weapons, and that they moved
frequently. On 5 October 1943, Cpl Willis N. Jarboe, ASN: 38023598, was killed in action. On 8 October
1943, the battalion commenced with interdictory fires in the vicinity of Lorenzo and Guardia and on 12
October 1943, was also tasked with hauling 9 trucks loaded with ammunition to the 27th Armored
Artillery Battalion ceasing interdictory actions until 2015A hours on13 October 1943, when a new march
order was received and the battalion commenced the move to the new positions in the vicinity of the
Grand Hotel, which was southwest of Castel Venere. On 18 October 1943, the first propaganda leafs were
fired. From 20 to 28 October 1943, the 157th Infantry was placed in an assembly area to rest; and the
battalion began its rest in a bivouac area near San Potito; limited because of the tasking of the reinforcing
mission to the 34th Division Artillery. Total rounds expended for the month was 4,775 rounds.
In November 1943, “Hitler’s Winter Line” overlooking the Volturno River was encountered. Transporting
supplies to forward units by mule, the division launched a final push against the enemy on November 7,
1943, and the Germans withdrew to prepared positions and continued to pound Allied forces with steady
artillery fire. The battalion shot 9 each rounds of propaganda pamphlet “Peace -Freedom -Bread” was
fired on selected targets in the vicinity of which we had observed personnel. Personnel to protect our
static observation posts were requested of the Infantry and granted. The Germans laid down vicious
harassing fires on Venafro and Pozzilli, engineers reported that buildings and by-passes were mined and
booby-trapped. On 9 and 10 November 1943, 7 each rounds of “Front-Post”, 4 each rounds of “Peace-
Freedom-Bread”, propaganda leaflets, were fired on targets previously fired on with high explosive (HE),
respectively. The Germans were fighting hard to hold every inch of their lines; they poured small arms,
mortar, and artillery fire on the advancing U.S. forces, and on 16 and 17 November 1943, Pvt James H.
Ballman, ASN: 35109156, and Pfc Melvin W. Davidson, ASN: 33076007, were killed in action. The enemy
heavily shelled the Pozzilli and Venafro much the same manner as the previous days. Our main difficulty
was in locating and silencing enemy artillery. Reports from natives and our own observations led us to
believe that the greater portion of this fire came from self-propelled vehicles that were driven to
previously surveyed positions, fired on interdicting missions and displaced as soon as fire was placed in
their vicinity. Many of these guns were known to approach close to our lines. Large caliber guns (15-cm)
were still firing upon us from the vicinity of Acquafondata where brilliant flashes, silhouetting the hills to
our front, unaccompanied by the roar of an explosion were observed. Our observers fired on enemy
installations all through the day. On the morning of 30 November 1943, weather started to be a
contributing factor, fog and mist obscuring the hillsides during the mornings, and the month ended with a
total number of rounds fired for the month at 18,928 rounds.
November faded into December with enemy shelling from undetermined positions making gun flashes
hard to detect and engage, because of their use of truly flash-less powder, or flash hiders, or superior
defilade. At 0607 hours on 2 December 1943, 18 rounds of enemy fire landed in the vicinity of the
Command Post (CP), two fell near the kitchen. The towns of Pozzilli and Filignano were shelled
intermittently by the Germans, and soon the towns of Concasale, Viticuso, and Acquafondata were
marked with green smoke for U.S. dive bombers to attack. The enemy artillery was still active, shelling the
front lines throughout the days and soon from 11 to 20 December 1943, battalion ammunition allowances
were reduced to 30 rounds per gun per day. Throughout the month the enemy shelled our front lines
heavily and we counter with defensive fires but the Thunderbird forces moved slowly northward. The year
ended with a total of 15,956 rounds expended in December 1943.
New Year’s Day 1944, was cold, but clear; good visibility resulted in interdiction fires for the night, the
roster of officers assigned was as follows: Headquarters Battery: Lt Col Russel D. Funk, Maj Albert E.
Huber, Capt’s David N. Breeding, Charles W. Cleverdon, Ira S. Hayes, George O. Hubbert, Robert W.
[13]
Kahn, Leroy Miller, Paul E. Scheefers and Joseph H. Wright, 1st Lts James F. Archer, Charles K. Fetzer
Jr., Alfred J. Lindsey, Richard A. Mayne Jr. and Harry W. Van Ness, 2nd Lts Paul L. Block, Charles L.
Coller, Norbert M. Collins and Charles J. Kessmeier, and WO Richard N. Richardson. Battery “A”; 1st Lts
Corwin V. Edwards, Thomas W. Carmichael and Irwin W. Cobb Jr., and 2nd Lts Robert L. Bolon, Arthur
L. Goodman Jr. and Benjamin F. Robertson. Battery “B”; Capt Beverley A. Finkle, 1st Lts George C. Davis
Jr., Joseph S. Hedge and Gordon L. Kinley, and 2nd Lts John W. Dalton and Arthur B. Merchant. Battery
“C”; Capt William S. Hurley, 1st Lts Roland W. Ballinger, Hilston T. Kilcollins and Robert W. Strauss, 2nd
Lts Eldon A. Miller and George T. Robinson. Service Battery; Captain George W. Nikkel, 1st Lt Robert E.
Kelley, 2nd Lts Harold Bernstein and Marvin H. Keeley, and WO Everett L. Hayes.
The Battalion Commander left for Sorrento on 2 January 1944, for a 7 day Rest & Relaxation (R&R) and
Maj Albert Huber assumed command of the Battalion. January 8, 1943 brought us misfortune; the enemy
began the day by firing 9 each rounds of artillery into the Pozzilli area, killing Pfc Philip A. Kelley, ASN:
32371908. January 11 to 20 January 1944 the battalion moved into bivouac. During this rest period on 18
January 1944, Pfc John N. Priest, ASN: 34303066, was killed in action. At the end of the rest period, alert
and movement orders were received and the battalion started moving towards a staging area near the port
city of Pozzuolli and Naples for “Operation Shingle”. The battalion started loading up on LSTs for an
amphibious landing and after setting sail landed at Anzio, Italy early in the morning of 29 January 1944
and proceeded to their positions. Aircraft were heard overhead at about that time and shortly afterward
flares were dropped over the harbor. A bomb struck the area near the exit road to the position, falling
among the parked and loaded vehicles of Battery “B”, 3 each more bombs fell in rapid succession; two of
them were observed to burst; another was a dud. 27 enlisted men and one officer were wounded and Tec4
Albert M. Schoelen, ASN: 38017382; Tec5 Rudy W. Bohn, ASN: 19074386; Tec5 Curtis H. Davis, ASN:
20830734; Pfc Ernest C. Cain, ASN: 20830730; Pfc Donald K. Harvey, ASN: 35168648; Pfc Lucion J.
Hicks, ASN: 20830863; Pfc Paul N. Davis, ASN: 20830735; Pfc Aime W. Vezina, ASN: 31116662; and Pvt
Hartwell E. Wolgram, ASN: 20830768, were killed in action and then on 30 January 1944 Pfc Charles W.
Daffara, ASN: 36049565, was killed in action. Eventually the battalion moved into battle positions, dug
in, and were prepared to fire, expending a total of 6,475 rounds for the month.
Artillery fire from the German defenders became increasingly heavy into February 1944 and on 1 February
Pvt Nathaniel P. Bailey, ASN: 36550990, succumbed to wounds suffered in action 2 days earlier. German
guns in ever-larger numbers rained shell after shell, and the Thunderbirds dug in. A foxhole became a way
of life and “Anzio Annie”, a railroad-loaded gun in the Alban hills let loose her death dealing shells every
morning, and this was the norm for “Anzio Days”. The month was spent in intense combat, highlighted
with artillery shoot-outs, and soon expenditure of ammunition, was curtailed. On 12 February 1944, 2Lt
Joe F. Lohrengel, O-1177506 was captured and moved to POW Camp Oflag64 and held for 473 days. 12
February 1944, 2Lt Eldon A. Miller, O-2055867 is killed in action. During this month the battles of
“Factory Area” and “Battle of the Caves” were see saw actions with bitter fighting on both sides. On 18
February 1944, Sgt Lawrence Shea, ASN: 20830821; and Pvt Clarence F. Swope, ASN: 35352845, are
killed in action. On 22 February 1944, 2Lt George T. Robinson, O-1178952 is killed in action. On 23
February 1944, two forward observer parties, trying to elude the Germans, became separated in the
darkness and in the confusion were capture and moved to POW camps, they were Tec4 Robert L. Silver,
ASN: 38023432, moved to Stalag2A and held 484 days; Tec4 Charles A. Locke, ASN: 33255985, moved to
Stalag2B and held 467 days; Sgt Thomas C. Grigg, ASN: 34104926, held 464 days and Cpl William L.
Willsey, ASN: 20830529, held 496 days, both held at Stalag3B, and Pvts Nicholas Hernandez, ASN:
38017377, held 516 days, and Leonard K. Shoemaker, ASN: 34303222, held 504 days, both held at
Stalag7A. On 29 February 1944, Tec5 Francis H. Pownall, ASN: 38023282 is killed in action. The enemy
was more active at the end of February, than on the preceding few days, he used smoke screens and our
observers reported many flashes and flares; the Germans turned the heavens into a holiday sky, the
month was an artillery duel and the battalion expended 50,015 rounds.
March and April 1944 remained unchanged in battle positions. The 45th Infantry Division had “dug-in”
and battle positions were trenches and foxholes, fortifications were made with dirt and ammunition
crates, dirt and sandbags, gasoline cans filled with water; whatever was on hand. On 6 March 1944, Pvt
Clyde Shelton, ASN: 20830885, was captured by the Germans and returned on the same day. During this
period artillery hammered the Germans but enemy shells continued to fall on our positions, and on the
13th and 30th March 1944, Pvt Benjamin A. Kowalski, ASN: 32774654; and Pvt Joe Curley, ASN:
[14]
38017433, were killed in action. Total number of rounds expended by the battalion for March 1944 was
13,773 rounds and for April 1944 were 17,549 rounds.
During the early part of May 1944 Anzio remained a stalemate, it was a deadly struggle played out on a
daily basis. At 0545 hours on 23 May 1944, the “big push” started by a massing of the heaviest artillery
barrages to saturate the German defenses that circled Anzio. Units started breaking out, pushing to Rome,
occupying forward positions and by the end of the month the breakthrough was complete, when units
reached Campoleone and linking up with units from the Fifth Army. The four month Anzio beach head
was over. Total rounds expended for the month of May 1944 was 44,224 rounds.
The month of June 1944, began with the race to the “Eternal City”, the race started with stiff resistance
but the German lines crumbled. The movement toward Rome started. On 3 June 1944, Pvts John V.
Blake, ASN: 33479433, and Clement C. Ward, ASN: 11078830 were killed in action. As the 45th Infantry
was closing in on Rome, Italy, they were pulled from the fighting on 6 June 1944, and moved to rear area
rest-camps, it was here were they learned of the “Normandy Invasion”. On 8 June 1944, Cpl Willie V.
Stinson, ASN: 38018445, was killed in action. The Battalion was in rest in this position until June 21st,
1944, during this time the battalion was given ample opportunity to visit Rome, which had previously
been declared off limits. At 1000 hours on Wednesday, June 21st, 1944, the battalion began a 209 mile
road march to a training area near the town of Faiano, Italy. From this day until the end of the month the
battalion was engaged in a training program, including physical conditioning, road marches, care and
repair of equipment with special emphasis on motor maintenance, service practice to include direct firing
and small arms training. Total rounds expended 9,458 rounds for June 1944.
July 1st 1944, still found the battalion in the training area, the first days of the month were uneventful, the
time being spent on care and cleaning of equipment, vehicle maintenance, road marches, and
conditioning of personnel. Soon the firing batteries were engaged in an amphibious problem involving
loading our 105-mm howitzers on “Designed in 1942, Utility, All-wheel terrain, Dual-tandem rear axles”
(DUKWs), firing off these DUKWs while in water and on land. Routine training schedules were again
followed on preceding weeks. The battalion remained in rest until the 16 July 1944, when they moved out
for a new training area Bagnoli, Italy. For the remainder of the month the battalion followed a training
schedule emphasizing conditioning of personnel, waterproofing of vehicles, vehicle maintenance,
specialist training, and care and cleaning of equipment. On the 26July 1944, a battalion parade was held
at which General Eagles, Division Commander, presented medals to members of the battalion. On 30 July
1944, the 158th and 160th Field Artillery Battalion’s held a Memorial service in the battalion area
commemorating our fallen comrades. Highlight of the service was an address by Colonel Meyers, Division
Artillery Commander.
August 1944, started with the battalion still in an assembly area practicing “dry landing” exercises for an
impending amphibious operation; the invasion of southern France. Then on 7 August 1944, the battalion
started moving to the staging area and then onto LSTs, once loaded the ships were sealed, soldiers were
issued the “Soldiers Guide to France”, the LSTs pulled away and sailed to the southern coast of Corsica,
“Operation Dragoon” had started. The landing was made in daylight during on 15 August 1944, along a
beach at Saint Maxime, pushing to reach the “Blue Line.” On the day of the landing, Pvts Stanley F.
Novak, ASN: 35292229; and James Ditonna, ASN: 32918145, were killed in action. The enemy was
surprised about the landing, initial objectives were seized and rapid movement inland was the order of
business. On Sunday, 20 August 1944, the battalion had moved to Mirabeau, France into defilade
positions, when Tec4 James F. Shuck, ASN: 35168996, was killed in action, the next day, Pfc John
Charmo, ASN: 32348489, suffered the same fate. The battalion once again started to move arriving in its
new bivouac area, near Seres, then moving again to Crest and at the end of the month they were at
Amberieu en Bugey, with a total of 3,134 rounds expended for August 1944.
As the month of September 1944, opened, the battalion was in position and given “close station; march
order” and then started on a road march to a division assembly area, about 35 miles to the northeast and
the next day moving another 43 miles farther to the northeast, to the vicinity of Cote-Brune, providing
fires as they moved. The battalion crossed the Doubs River on 10 September 1944, by this time the
German army had recovered from its initial setback in Southern France, and on 11 September 1944, 2Lt
Francis E. Liggett, O-0465104, was captured by the Germans and sent to Oflag64 and held for a total of
[15]
263 days. As the battalion started to move towards Epinal, the final days of the month were spent
shooting and moving, providing fires as needed, moving towards Rambervillers, crossing the Moselle
River, moving to Padoux and expending 16,277 rounds in September 1944.
At the opening of the month of October 1944, the battalion CP was in the village of Padoux, supporting the
battle in the city of Rambervillers. On 6 October 1944, one suit of winter underwear was issued to each
man in the battalion, and the “B” type of rations issued included fresh beef and butter. The battalion fired
“Frontbrief” propaganda leaflets had received 35 rounds of propaganda addressed to the French people,
which would be shot into any towns immediately prior to attacking it. During this period friendly
advances were now measured in yards instead of miles as allied forces moved closer to the German
border. Expenditures of ammunition for the month was 8,206 rounds expended.
November 1944, started with the battalion in position near Housseras, France, billets had been prepared
for them near Bains-le-Bains for a rest period, while the 100th Division relieved them starting on 3
November 1944. While moving to the rest area, the battalion was attached to the 44th Division on 10
November 1944 to the ”Clayton Group”, and soon participated in Corps and Division Artillery support of
the 44th Division attack on the morning of the 13 November 1944. They remained in support until 17
November 1944, when they moved to their rest area near Luneville. On 23 November 1944, the battalion
displaced to Ingwiller. France on the verge of entering the German frontier. The battalion expended 3,634
rounds in support of the 44th Division.
The battalion was still in position near Ingwiller on 1 December 1944, they were now under the control of
XV Corps, and as they moved closer to the enemy’s homeland, they were met with heavy resistance. If the
enemy retreated, he would counter attacked to defend every inch of ground. The weather became a factor
as the rain and bitter cold closed in around the fight, turning everything into a muddy quagmire. On 4
December 1944, after moving into Zinswiller, Tec5 Arthur A. Rosenthal, ASN: 32899011, was killed in
action. The battalion moved to Nehwiller on the morning of 12 December 1944, and at 1801 hours fired
artillery into the town of Hirschthal, Germany. On the 16 December 1944, the 157th RCT entered the town
of Bundenthal, and immediately they came under intense machine gun and artillery fire forcing them to
huddle up in half demolished buildings, where they remained trapped for a week, until on 23 December
1944, when the battalion shot a 30 minute concentrated artillery barrage, enable them to escape out of
town. During this month the battalion was imposed under a restriction of 3,000 round expenditure,
which they used.
New Year’s Day 1945, was cold, the roster of officers assigned was as follows: Headquarters Battery: Lt Col
Russel D. Funk, Maj Albert E. Huber and Paul E. Scheefers, Capt’s Corwin V. Edwards, Beverly A. Finkle,
George O. Hubbert, Robert W. Kahn, Harold L. Kleindienst, Leroy Miller and Joseph H. Wright, 1st Lts
Norbert M. Collins, James C. Depury, Alfred J. Lindsey, and Richard A. Mayne, Jr., and WO Richard N.
Richardson. Battery “A”: Capt Harry W. Van Ness, 1st Lt George C. Davis, Jr., 2nd Lts Ralph H. McMahon
and Burton Sachs. Battery “B”: Capt Gordon L. Kinley, 1st Lts Harold Bernstein and Cecil E. Taylor, 2nd
Lts William M. Colby and Joseph M. Pearl. Battery “C”: Capt George C. Tompkins, 1st Lts James F. Archer
and James H. Brister, 2nd Lts Hubert M. Gilliland and Benjamin B. Moore. Service Battery: Capt Irs S.
Hayes, 1st Lt Arthur B. Merchant, and WO Everett L. Hayes. The battalion displaced rearward into
Niederbronn and established massive defensive fire plans and waited for an expected full scale attack, but
there was only daily probings with seesawed bloody fighting, with a lot of German infiltration into rear
areas. The 157th RCT were in a forest near Mouterhouse when they were surrounded, by 18 January 1945,
the situation was critical, and the enemy launched constant attacks against the besieged unit. The
Regimental Commander, made a formal request to the 158th Field Artillery Battalion Commander for a
rolling barrage, at the rate of one round per gun per minute, only to be lifted on the call of the Infantry
Battalion Commander. On this day alone the battalion fired some 2,505 rounds, thus ensued fierce
artillery and infantry battles that lasted until 21 January 1945, until both units were pulled off line and
moved to reassembly areas near Wimmenau, to reorganize. Soldiers from the battalion captured during
this battle on 21 January 1945, were 1st Lts William M. Colby, O-1998701, held for 202 days, Hubert M.
Gilliland, O-1998702, held 361 days, and Ralph H. McMahan, O-1180258, held 214 days, all at Oflag13B.
Pfc’s Robert K. Albright, ASN: 33589636, held 43 days, William A. Broughton, ASN: 35791442, held 275
days, Joseph R. Roubideaux, ASN: 38017425, held 304 days, Howard M. Zacharias, ASN: 36173923, held
270 days, and Walter J. Ziobron, ASN: 31049342, held 270 da7ys, all at Stalag 11B. Tec4 Wayne D.
[16]
Hickman, ASN: 35155913, held 87 days, Cpl’s Kenneth O. Beck, ASN: 33424206, held 272 days, and
Henry E. Stoneback, ASN: 36265048, held 214 days, at Stalag12A and Stalag9B.
The battalion began the month of February 1945, in a reinforcement of the fires of the 160th and 171st
Field Artillery Battalions as the 157th RCT, continued its reorganization and training begun in late
January. On 4 February, the 157th Infantry went back into action, and the battalion reverted to its normal
direct support role. On 18 February 1945, 8th, the battalion moved into the Chatel-sur-Noselle, Moriville,
Fortieux, France, triangle for rest, recuperation, and rehabilitation. The balance of the month was spent in
following a rigorous training program, revising operational methods and techniques, restoring equipment
to the usual high standards of excellence require by combat units, and, in general, full preparation for our
next long siege of action.
The first eleven days of the March 1945, in a rest area near Charmes, France, were spent in training for a
river crossing using DUKW’s. The battalion moved to Weisviller, France, at noon on 12 March and on 15
March 1945, at “H” hour a smoke screen and all available artillery preparation fires were fired upon
Niedergailbach, Germany, which neutralized much of the enemy artillery. The famous “Siegfried Line”
was breached and crossed in less than a day, and on 20 March 1945, the firing batteries moved, one at a
time, to the outskirts of Zweibrucken, Germany. “Fire Plan Rhine” was received on 25 March 1945, and
the battalion was scheduled to be the first reinforcing artillery across the Rhine River, movement to be on
DUKWs. The battalion crossed the Rhine River and set up in the vicinity of Rohrheim, Germany. Three
more moves were made, the last within two kilometers west of Aschaffenburg, and on the morning of 28
March 1945, a ten minute preparation was fired at the rate of 3 rounds per gun per minute, as the “Siege
of Aschaffenburg” began.
Aschaffenburg was defended by SS troops and Volkstrus, a total of around five thousand troops,
supported by two captured Sherman tanks, 88mm dual purpose guns, 20mm guns and mortars, and led
by a fanatical Nazi Major Lambert who swore to defend the city to the last man. The enemy resisted with
fanatical zeal and progress was slow but at 0730 hours on 3 April 1945, the German Garrison surrendered.
At 1500 hours of the same day the battalion displaced to Schweinnein and for the next ten days was in
continuous movement in support of the infantry. On 10 April 1945, 1st Lt Harold Bernstein, O-1179295,
was killed in action by a sniper. At 0815 hours on the morning of 13 April 1945, the battalion closed in on
an area in the vicinity of Starkenschwind, a small suburb of Nurnberg, where it was within range of part of
the city but not within range of the center of city. Due to close proximity of units, fires were observed and
were fired by the forward observers. At 1730 hours on 19 April 1945, Nurnberg surrendered, the battalion
moved and on 25 April 1945 were on the banks of the Danube River and crossed it two days later on a
pontoon bridge that was constructed during the night, and on 29 April 1945, the battalion reached the
outskirts of Dachau, and its concentration camps, and the next day the battalion was in Munich. On 30
April 1945 a sniper killed Pvt Leonard P. Nelson, ASN: 34208331. The month ended with the battalion
having established a Command Post in Feldmoching, a suburb on the outskirts of Munich.
On 1 May 1945, the battalion assumed its new duties of garrisoning Munich, where they assumed security
in the north central portion of Munich, here they built camps and manned checkpoints through 7 May
1945 Victory over Europe Day (VE Day), when the German surrender was officially announced. The 158th
Field Artillery howitzers had fired 307,115 rounds of ammunition in support of their infantry brothers in
511 days of combat. A few months after VE Day, the 45th Infantry Division debarked at New York City and
boarded trains for Camp Bowie, Texas, where the division was inactivated on 24 November 1945.
KOREAN WAR
On 27 July 1950, President Truman signed Executive Order 10145 extending enlistments in the Armed
Forces. The 158th Field Artillery Battalion was ordered into active Federal Service, to report to Camp
Polk, Louisiana on 1 September 1950 for service in the Korean Conflict. Lieutenant Colonel Charles W.
Cleverdon was the Battalion Commander. While preparing for rail movement to Camp Polk, LA, the unit
increased its ranks by recruiting under the slogan “Go With The Men You Know”, which was quite
successful. Upon arrival to the neglected cantonment area at Camp Polk, LA, the first order was to make it
more livable, as the battalion assimilated into intensive training under the Army Training Program (ATP)
[17]
in preparation for deployment overseas. Familiarization courses with small arms, .50 caliber Machine
Gun and 2.36 Rocket Launcher and intensive training in preparation for Army Field Force (AFF) tests. On
15 November 1950 the unit was issued woolen uniforms.
Initial plans by the 45th Infantry Division were made for the institution of a provisional training unit to
receive, administration to, and give basic training to about 1,000 fillers that were to be allocated to the
Division Artillery. These fillers were to arrive in February 1951. The 45th Division Artillery Training
Battalion, was organized from all the artillery battalions, “A” Battery of that provisional battalion was
organized as the pipeline for supply of filler personnel to the 158th Field Artillery Battalion. 1st Lt Edward
M. Coon was Battery Commander and 42 cadremen were selected from the battalion to train the new
fillers. On 6 February 1951, 250 trainees were received for each training battery. These men were assigned
on the basis of 50 to each of the 5 batteries in the battalion. The parent battery was responsible for
administration and clothing of the new men. The men were housed, fed and trained in another area from
the battalion. On 24 February 1951, the announcement was made that the division would move overseas
to the Far East Command (FECOM) in 30 days, to continue training and increase the strength of the
occupation forces in Japan.
65% of the men were given embarkation leaves beginning immediately after alert the order was received.
This tremendously increase the workload imposed on the remaining 35% of the battalion. Ten days at
home with a maximum of 16 days absent from duty was the rule. By the end of February 1951, the
preparations for movement were going forward much more smoothly and difficult situations were being
more quickly settled. The entire month of March 1951 was used in preparation for movement of the 158th
Field Artillery Battalion to Japan.
On 26 March 1951, the 45th Infantry Division conducted a Division Parade at Camp Polk, LA and on at
292330 hours and 300130 hours of March 1951, the 158th Field Artillery Battalion travels by troop trains
to the New Orleans Port Embarkation (NOPE). They detrained at 1100 and 1300 hours, respectively, 30
March 1951, and boarded the USNS General CG Morton. At 1530 hours 30 March 1951 the ship weighed
anchor and the voyage from New Orleans to Japan was begun.
At 0900 hours 3 April 1951, the ship entered the Panama Canal locks at Cristobal Colon, Panama and
immediately begins passing through all the locks. At 1800 hours the ship docks at the Naval Station Vasco
Nunez de Balboa and remained overnight. At 0800 hours 4 April 1951, the troops were allowed ashore at
this naval station for some scheduled rest and entertainment. At 1100 hours the men reboarded the ship
which weighed anchor at 1400 hours. At 0800 hours 13 April 1951, as it was approaching San Francisco, a
fire broke out in the galley and caused considerable damage before it could be extinguished. Because of
this fire the ship was held overnight at San Francisco for repairs. At 1100 hours 13 April 1951, the ship
docked at San Francisco to take on fuel and 303 more troops. At 0700 hours 14 April 1951, the repairs
were completed and the ship weighed anchor for the final part of the voyage.
The battalion landed on 1 May 1951, at Muroran, a seaport on the northernmost Japanese island of
Hokkaido, and immediately moved by passenger train to its destination, Chitose, which was a World War
II Japanese airfield, operated by the U.S. Air Force as a base for surveillance of the sea and Sakhalin
Island. The Chitose camp; Camp Monte Strong; was largely a pyramidal tent city with buildings for
headquarters, mess hall, supply rooms, latrines, and officers’ quarters, all having been formerly used by
U.S. forces now doing battle in Korea. The first few days were spent in receiving equipment, establishing
gun and motor parks, and policing the area. The warm weather encouraged the planting of flowers and
performing simple landscaping to give the camp an appealing appearance.
Later on 30 May 1951, a Japanese reservation near the little town of Eniwa became the camp and training
ground because of its artillery range and maneuver areas supported combined arms training. Camp
Crawford, the U.S. Military installation near Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo barracked the 45th Infantry
Division and as they moved onward to the Korean peninsula the 158th Field Artillery Battalion backfilled
and occupied the camp. Here, the battalion tasted the luxury of living and working in weather tight
masonry buildings and garrison life was a rich reward after enduring the boondocks.
During August 1951, commanders of organizations within the 45th Infantry Division were flown to Korea
[18]
and assigned to a liked organization of the 1st Cavalry Division to become acquainted with the terrain, the
tactical situation, and characteristics of the enemy. On 26 November 1951, telephone orders from
Headquarters 45th Division Artillery, placed Captain Edward C. Wegener and James D. Bell on aircraft
moving them to the Korean peninsula to serve as advanced representation to Headquarters, 61st Field
Artillery Battalion. Orders from the same headquarters, placed an advance party consisting of 9 officers
and 48 enlisted men to be moved by rail and ship with a final destination of Chorwon, Republic of Korea,
for the purpose of transferring property from the 61st Field Artillery Battalion to the 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, the transfer was completed by 15 December 1951. The battalion departed Camp Crawford 3
December 1951 by passenger train to the port, thence by water to Pusan, Korea. Another passenger train
ride took the battalion to Tagwan-Ni, Korea, the railhead and rear echelon of the 45th Infantry Division
arriving at Chorwon on 17 December 1951. Inspection of material and equipment began that day,
housekeeping details, taking over the departing battalion’s equipment, moving into firing positions,
establishing a Command Post, creating shelters for gun crews and other sections and rearranging kitchens
took several days. The unit commanders were as follows: Headquarters Battery Capt Donald C. Russell,
Battery “A” Capt Charles V. Wheeler, Battery “B” 1st Lt Robert E. Shipmen, Battery “C” Capt Arthur F.
Doe, and Service Battery Capt Elihu B. Braunstein.
On 22 December 1951, at 1200 hours, this battalion assumed controlled from the 61st Field Artillery
Battalion and Lt Col Cleverdon fired the first round from Battery “A” of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion
and went into direct support of the 179th Infantry Regiment, which was actively engaged in combat
against the Chinese Communist Forces in Korea.
On 1 January 1952, the battalion expended 1,800 rounds in a single 24-hour and on 22 January 1952
executed Fire plans “Dallas” and “Chicago” and fire missions from the Counter Mortar Radar Section,
ending the month with a total of 23,493 rounds expended.
February 1952 started off with Operation “Plan Adjust” and “Snatch” executed and ending by firing a total
of 7,816 rounds for the month. Each battery has a PX, and upon receipt of rations; usually twice a month;
items such as cameras, watches, pens, pencils, food stuffs, etc., go on sale to all the men. 22 enlisted men
were placed on Temporary Duty (TDY) at the Chosen Hotel, Seoul, Korea, for a 3-day rest period.
Announcement was made by division that commencing on 15 March 1952 personnel of the command
would become eligible for rest and recuperation. 450 enlisted man and 50 officers of the division will be
sent to Japan every nine days under the program.
On 7 March 1952, the battalion fires 104 rounds of propaganda shells and on 24 March 1952, the battalion
fired its 50,000th round since its commitment to combat and March’s total is 18,598. On 28 March 1952,
3 officers and forty six enlisted men depart the battalion for the Zone of Interior under the Army phase
out program.
The month of April starts off with a three-day exercise (Recoil Rehearse III) occupying defensive positions
in 3 retrograde movements returning 11 April 1952 to permanent positions. On 26 April 1952 at 1200
hours, the command of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion was assumed by Lt Col Harlan V. Logsdon, O-
44347 and then on 28 April 1952 another 4 officers and 65 enlisted men departed under the Army phase
out program. 9,443 rounds were expended in April 1952.
The 20th Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) Battery “D” was
attached to the battalion during the month of May 1952, this widen the battalion front to 7,200 yards. A
monthly total of 18,413 rounds were expended by the battalion plus 5,366 rounds from Battery “D”. On
the 10 May 1952, 4 officers and 64 enlisted men departed for the Zone of Interior under the Army Phase
out program.
In June 1952, the enemy situation remained the same as the month before. The last group of National
Guard personnel departed completing the Army Phase-Out Program. On 16 June 1952, Lt Charles L.
Warner was killed in action while adjusting fire from a stretcher, where he was placed after being
wounded 12 times, he became the battalion's first Killed in Action in the Korean Conflict. On 21 June
1952, the battalion fired its 100,000 round at 1145 hours, the battalions total rounds expended for the
month was 26,483. Unit Commanders are as follows: Headquarters Battery Capt John R. Robertson,
[19]
Battery “A” 1st Lt Donald W. Williams, Battery “B” Capt Oliver M. Blackburn, Battery “C” 1st Lt Charles H.
Town, and Service Battery Capt Elihu B. Braunstein.
During the month of July 1952, the largest group of replacements arrived, since entering into combat.
This was directly caused by the National Guard phase-out program which was completed in June 1952. All
the National Guardsmen that were initially mobilized were released from active duty and returned home
for out processing. On 2 July 1952, Sgt Richard L. Mansfield, ASN: 56085673 is killed in action. The
battalion was brought to full strength by receiving 93 Korean Augmentation to United States Army
(KATUSA) personnel during the month of July 1952. On 17 July 1952, the battalion’s Operational Control
was changed from 45th Division Artillery to IX Corps Artillery. Unit Commanders are as follows:
Headquarters Battery Capt John R. Robertson, Battery “A” 1st Lt Donald W. Williams, Battery “B” Capt
Oliver M. Blackburn, Battery “C” 1st Lt Charles H. Town, and Service Battery Capt Elihu B. Braunstein.
Total rounds expended for the month of July 1952 was 17,735 rounds.
In August 1952, the battalion remained was attached to “B” Groupment of X Corps Artillery in direct
support of the 21st Infantry Regiment of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). The battalion participated
in the 8th ROKA Division “Operation Squirrel Hunt.” This operation was conducted four times and the
mission of the battalion was to fire prearranged fires in one area and then cover a friendly patrol action in
another area with on-call concentrations of fire resulting in a total of 15,340 rounds expended in August
1952. On 3 August and 25 August 1952, Pfc Jack H. Taktakian, ASN: 55075867; and Pfc Martin S. Eskin,
ASN: 55185922 are killed in action, respectively.
On 24 September 1952 the battalion moved and closed in on their new areas; their commanders or as
follows: Headquarters Battery 1st Lt Edward J. Fletcher, Battery “A” 1st Lt Don K. O’Shay, Battery “B”
Capt Oliver M. Blackburn, Battery “C” 1st Lt Charles H. Town, and Service Battery 1st Lt Elwood L. Hill.
Total rounds expended for the month of September 1952 was 17,286 rounds.
The battalion started October 1952, by reinforcing the fires of the 555th Field Artillery Battalion with their
new mission of general support to the 25th Infantry Division and they finished the month with a total of
12,410 rounds expended. Lt Col John H. Carter, O-410471, assumed command of the battalion on 24
October 1952.
The battalion participated in Operation “Pick Up” on 23 November 1952, which was a night raid with the
mission of capturing prisoners in the vicinity of “Lukes Castle” and Operation “Fox Hunt”. Total rounds
expended during the month was 20,388 rounds. On 3 November 1952 the 158th Field Artillery Battalion
National Guard United States (NGUS) was organized under Public Law 461 and headquartered in
Chickasha, Oklahoma, meeting the need for a stateside unit since almost all the unit’s National
Guardsmen had already rotated home. It is the only time in the battalion’s history when it had a full
battalion located in Continental United States and Republic of Korea.
The battalion remained organic to the 45th Division Artillery during the month of December 1952 and in
direct support of the 37th Infantry Regiment of the 12th ROKA Division. The battalion’s Fire Support
Coordination Center (FSCC) engaged targets all month from the 3rd North Korean Corps; the enemy
order of battle opposing the 37th Regiment; firing a total of 15,433 rounds. Battery commanders for this
period were as follows: Headquarters Battery Capt James C. Osburn, Battery “A” 1st Lt Don K. O’Shay,
Battery “B” 1st Lt St. Julian R. Marshall Jr., Battery “C” 1st Lt Robert M. Huntzinger, and Service Battery
1st Lt Elwood L. Hill.
On 1 January 1953, the year started with the battalion firing 984 rounds onto two platoons of enemy and
two squads of enemy soldiers, dispersing the enemy with an undetermined number of casualties.
Throughout the month the enemy assaulted friendly positions on a daily basis, resulting with a total of
17,170 rounds expended during the period. During the month two cycles of the battalion drivers training
program were conducted, 81 drivers were qualified as a result of the training program. At the end of the
period, the battalion had a total of 376 qualified drivers.
The battalion was in direct support of the 179th Infantry Regiment, however, it was ordered to assume
direct support of the 37th Infantry Regiment, 12th ROKA Division and later on, the Artillery Battery, 19th
[20]
BCT (PEFTOK) requiring the battalion to make 2 moves in the month. At the end of February 1953 the
battalion fired a total of 16,181 rounds. Battery locations and commander's were as follows: Headquarters
Battery Capt James C. Osburn, Battery “A” 1st Lt John E. Naramore, Battery “B” 1st Lt St. Julien R.
Marshall Jr., Battery “C” 1st Lt Robert W. Huntzinger, and Service Battery 1st Lt James L. Cottrell.
The battalion remained organic to the 45th Division Artillery however it was tasked to support the X
Corps Tank Training Center by providing one officer and two howitzer sections from Battery “B”. The
battalion also fired prearranged concentrations “Plan Dagmar” and “Plan Heartbreak” preventing enemy
penetration into Sandbag Castle and along Heartbreak Ridge, expending a total of 25,078 rounds in the
month of March 1953. On 26 March 1953, 1Lt Earle S. Downes, O-1688327, is killed in action. Fire plans
“Plan Private”, “Plan Crusher”, and “Plan Massacre” were executed in April 1953 along with a Corp Time
on Target plan titled “May Day Serenade” and the end of month total expenditure of rounds was 32,427.
During this period the battalion drew 6,809 rounds of steel spiral wrapped ammunition, Lot Number JA-
11-2X, of the 7,333 allocated for test firing. Results were inconclusive, but advantage of ease of handling
and simplification of supply accounting were evident.
In May 1953, Battery “A” fired 12,433 rounds, Battery “B” fired 9,923 rounds plus 406 rounds for X Corps
Tank Training Center, Battery “C” fired 12,497 rounds, and Artillery Battery, 14th BCT (PEFTOK) fired
7,280 rounds. The battalion fired a total of 42,539 rounds during the month.
During June 1953, Headquarters Battery was commanded by Capt Tandy G. Marshall, Battery “A” was
commanded by 1st Lt John E. Naramore from 1 June to 4 June 1953 and 1st Lt Donald P. Kelly Jr. from 5
June to 30 June 1953. Battery “B” was commanded by 1st Lt Millard F. Reese, Battery “C” was
commanded by 1st Lt Albert A. Lamas, and Service Battery was commanded by 1st Lt Carl E. Langham.
Artillery Battery, 14th BCT (Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea) was commanded by Capt Pablo C.
Francisco. Battery “A” fired 11,065 rounds, Battery “B” fired 11,165 rounds, Battery “C” fired 11,935
rounds, and Artillery Battery, 14th BCT (PEFTOK) fired 10,054 rounds. The battalion, plus attachment,
fired a total of 44,219 rounds during the month. Guns assigned to the battalion were calibrated by firing
229 rounds for calibration. Artillery Battery, 14th BCT (PEFTOK) participated in the calibration by firing
a total of 56 rounds for calibration.
July 1953 was highlighted by the signing of the Cease Fire Truce, which set forth the hour of cease fire as
272200 July 1953, friendly forces withdrew to; and organized new defensive positions along Post
Armistice Main Battle positions. Operation plan, 45-US-OP-7-53, was issued by the 45th Infantry
Division, to implement the plan of withdrawal. Leading up to the cease fire the 217th Field Artillery
Battalion (ROKA), commanded by Major Han Kyung Ho was attached for training and operational control
and fire missions were executed. On 9 July, 15 July, and 16 July 1953, the battalion fired 2,594, 3,045, and
1,921 rounds in support of friendly forces engaged in this action, respectively.
During the period of August 1953, the battalion was relieved of direct support missions and was assigned
general support of III ROKA Corps, reinforcing the fires of the 7th ROKA Division. Headquarters Battery
was commanded by 1st Lt Michael M. Davis, Battery “A” was commanded by 1st Lt Donald P. Kelly Jr.,
Battery “B” was commanded by Capt Millard F. Reese, Battery “C” was commanded by 1st Lt Albert A.
Lamas, Service Battery was commanded by 1st Lt Carl E. Langham from 1 August to 18 August 1953 and
from 19 August to 31 August 1953 by 1st Lt Jose Luis Rodriguez., and 217th Field Artillery Battalion
(ROKA), was commanded by Major Han Kyung Ho. During the month, the battalion continued
improvement of new positions, construction of FDC bunkers, ammunition bunkers, and individual slit
trenches were completed, and the remainder of time was utilized to conduct field problems (RSOP’s) by
all batteries.
During the period 13 September to 20 September 1953, the battalion conducted field problems
for all batteries in preparation for ATT # 6-1. Battery “A” completed the test on 18 September
1953, with a final Score of 91.8%. Battery “B” completed the test on 17 September 1953, with a
final score of 82.9%. Battery “C” completed the test on 19 September 1953, with a final score of
72.6%. The battalion fired 762 rounds for training. 114 rounds were fired on ATT # 6-1. Battery “A” fired
405 rounds, Battery “B” fired 224 rounds, and Battery “C” fired 250 rounds. The battalion fired 879
rounds during the month of September 1953. 4 rounds of this were white phosphorus and 875 rounds
[21]
were high explosive.
On 30 September 1953 the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation was awarded for exceptionally
meritorious service to the Republic of Korea during the period 10 December 1951 to 31 July 1953,
inclusive, with citation as follows: The 45th United States Infantry Division continually exhibited
extraordinary valor in combat and an unsurpassed excellence in the training and coordinating of Republic
of Korea forces. In June 1952, the Division initiated a series of brilliant surprise attacks in order to
establish a formidable outpost line beyond the existing main line of resistance and acquired many new
positions, including the now famous hill masses of “Eerie” and “Baldy.” The outposts were held securely in
spite of the intense enemy counterattacks to recapture the strategic sites. Without yielding any of the
newly acquired gains, the Division inflicted heavy losses upon the foe before it was replaced after over two
hundred days of continuous combat. At this point, the men of the 45th United States Infantry Division
undertook the important task of technically training Republic of Korea troops. Their efforts were
rewarded by a display of brilliant combat effectiveness throughout the Republic of Korea forces. The
return to front line positions in September 1952 by the Thunderbird Division created a new chapter in the
military accomplishments of both United States and Korean troops as the two fused and fought together
with a rare display of unity. During the Communist summer offensive of 1953, the 45th United States
Infantry Division once again exhibited its fighting spirit and singleness of purpose as it frustrated enemy
attacks and preserved vital positions on “Sand Bag Castle,” “Heartbreak Ridge” and “Christmas Hill.’’ The
steadfast devotion to duty, gallantry in battle and cooperative spirit with which Republic of Korea troops
were made an integral part of a unified force reflect the greatest credit upon the 45th United States
Infantry Division and uphold the most esteemed traditions of the military profession. Signed Syngman
Rhee, President of the Republic of Korea.
The 158th Field Artillery Battalion remained in Korea until 15 March 1954 when it sailed for the United
States. On 30 April 1954 the battalion was released from federal service and returned back to state
control. The 45th Divisional colors and its subordinate units organizational colors were returned to the
Oklahoma National Guard in a special ceremony called “Operation Colors Back”, held at the state fair in
Oklahoma City on 25 September 1954.
THE COLD WAR

Soon after return Oklahoma personnel to home communities, there began a movement to organize a new
45th Infantry Division in Oklahoma as a National Guard division. The state wide effort was productive.
The 158th Field Artillery Battalion (NGUS) as an element of the 45th Infantry Division (NGUS) was
Federally recognized 3 November 1952, with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at Chickasha, and
Batteries “A”, “B”, “C” and Service Batteries assigned, respectively, to Duncan, Anadarko, Weatherford,
and Minco, all in Oklahoma. LTC John R. Northup, an experienced field artilleryman in WW II and the
Executive Officer of the 158th in the Korean Conflict, assumed command of the battalion. Armament
consisted of six 105mm howitzers (towed) per firing battery.
The 45th Infantry Division remained in combat in Korea until the armistice, when it was shipped to New
York City. On 30 April 1954 the active division was released and reverted to Oklahoma State control.
Thus, from 3 November 1952 to 30 April 1954, there was a 158th Field Artillery Battalion in combat in
Korea or in movement to New York City and another in Oklahoma. The two were distinguished by the
Oklahoma battalion as well as the division having the suffix (NGUS), which was dropped on 30 April
1954.
On 1 May 1959 the structure of the 45th Infantry Division was changed from triangular to pentomic (five
Battle Groups replacing the three Infantry Regiments). The 158th Field Artillery Battalion was
redesignated as the 1st Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery, as an element of the 45th Infantry Division.
Headquarters, and Headquarters and Service Battery were placed in Chickasha; Battery “A”, armed with
six 105-mm howitzers (towed) was located in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; Battery “B”, armed with six 155-
mm howitzers (towed), was reorganized in Duncan. LTC John R. Northup commanded this Battalion until
14 September 1960 when LTC Robert E. Shipman took command until 17 December 1961. In addition, the
2nd Howitzer Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, was activated with its Headquarters, Headquarters and
[22]
Service Battery located at Minco; and two firing batteries were activated, each with six 105mm howitzers
(towed) and located at Anadarko; Battery “A”; and Weatherford; Battery “B”. Major James D. Bell was
placed in command of this Battalion.
On 1 April 1963 the structure of the 45th Infantry Division was again changed, this time from a pentomic
to a ROAD Division (Reorganization Objective Army Divisions). Three brigades replaced five battle
groups. The 1st Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery, was redesignated and reorganized as the 1st Battalion,
158th Artillery, an element of the 45th Infantry Division, with Headquarters, Headquarters and Service
Battery remaining at Chickasha, Battery “A” remaining at Pauls Valley and Battery “B” remaining at
Duncan. Battery “C” was added and placed in El Reno. The 155mm Howitzer (towed) was eliminated as an
armament and six 105mm howitzers (towed) were placed in each of the three lettered batteries. LTC Larry
E. Stephenson of Edmond, OK, who had assumed command of the 1st Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery
on 18 December 1961 continued in command of this redesignated and reorganized battalion. The 2nd
Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery, became the 171st Field Artillery Battalion.
On 1 November 1965, the structure of the 45th Infantry Division was again changed with the 1st Battalion
158th Artillery redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, with Headquarters, Headquarters
and Service Battery at Chickasha, Battery “A” at Pauls Valley, Battery “B” at Duncan, and Battery “C” to
Enid. The armament was six 105mm towed howitzers per firing battery. The battalion commander
continued to be LTC Larry E. Stephenson.
On 1 February 1968, the State of Oklahoma and the nation were deprived of the military strength of the
45th Infantry Division. It was ordered inactivated on that date. In its place the 45th Infantry Brigade was
organized and some of the former division infantry units were assigned to it. For the artillery of the
division, the 45th Artillery Group was organized as a Corps artillery under the command of Brigadier
General William L. Youell of Blackwell, OK.
The 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery, as an organization in this group, was located as follows:
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at Lawton, Oklahoma; Battery “A” at Anadarko, OK; Battery “B”
at Duncan, OK; Battery “C” at Chickasha, OK and Service Battery at Lawton, OK. Armament was changed
to the 8-inch towed howitzer. The battalion was commanded by LTC Larry E. Stephenson until he retired
on 1 September 1968, and was succeeded by LTC Joe A. Wheeler.
On 1 December 1971, there was a further reorganization of the battalion that resulted only in a change of
the battalion designation to First Battalion (8-Inch-SP) 158th Artillery. Battery locations were not
changed but the armament was changed to the 8-inch self-propelled weapon. LTC Wheeler continued in
command of the battalion until 10 April 1972, when he was succeeded by LTC Norman E. Duckworth. On
1 May 1972, a further reorganization occurred with no change in battery locations or armament. The
battalion, however, was redesignated the First Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. LTC Duckworth continued
in command until 1 February 1975, when command of the battalion was assumed by LTC Merrill B.
Burrus, Jr.
Several reorganizations the occurred, but these were only TO&E reorganizations with no change in battery
locations and weapons. The first of these was on 1 May 1975, followed by another 1 October 1978. On 1
January 1980, LTC Jerry D. Simmons assumed command of the battalion.
[23]
The next TO&E reorganization was on 1 May 1980, with no change in battery locations and weapons.
Major Ronald W. Holt assumed command on 1 November 1980. The next TO&E reorganization occurred
on 1 March 1983, again with no change in battery locations and armament. On 1 February 1984 was
succeeded by LTC Kenneth W. Bray, who served until LTC Jim R. Swafford took command on 1
September 1986.
The recent change of 10 July 1987 is quite noteworthy. On that date, the 1st Battalion, 158th Field
Artillery, accepted the first launcher from the manufacturer of the Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS). Under the new system, each firing battery was armed with nine launchers, each carrying 12
Rockets. Each launcher can deliver the firepower of a full battalion of conventional artillery to a distance
of 30 miles! The 12 rockets can be fired in less than one minute. The idea is to “shoot and scoot.” The 1st
Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, received federal recognition as a MLRS battalion on 1 September 1987
with Headquarters and Service Batteries in Lawton. Battery “A” was moved to Lawton. Batteries “B” and
“C” remained in Duncan and Chickasha, respectively, but each has a detachment, one located in Walters;
Battery “B” and one in Marlow; Battery “C”. The Battalion Commander was LTC Jim R. Swafford until 19
October 1987 when LTC Charles J. Frazier assumed command.
The U.S. Army organized the first MLRS battery in 1983. The 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, was the
first National was the first organization selected for the new system. Major General Ansel M. Stroud, Jr.,
then President of the National Guard Association of the United States, said, “It is only fitting that the
158th Field Artillery be selected for this honor. The combat history of this organization, as well as the
peacetime accomplishments of this Battalion as an 8-inch, self propelled unit, make it the only logical
choice.”
PERSIAN GULF WAR

On 2 August 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded the oil-rich country of Kuwait stopping on the
Saudi border. Disruption of oil supplies could be damaging to the global economy so defending Saudi
Arabia became the first priority and assistance in its defense was given by King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz al-
Saud to the U.S. forces. Desert Shield was the operation to defend Saudi Arabia while worldwide coalition
forces began arriving. American military power was being amassed to include the federalization of three
National Guard combat “round-out” brigades. By September the coalition forces were capable of
defending Saudi Arabia however by November the United States as well as its allies had changed its
political objectives. United Nations mandates had been approved to liberate Kuwait from its occupying
Iraqi forces. The 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) was ordered
to active duty and began arriving at its mobilization station at Fort Sill, Ok.
The liberation of Kuwait known as Operation Desert Storm began on 17 January 1991 with massive air
[24]
strikes to achieve air supremacy. The Iraqi army surprised the coalition forces by lunging down to occupy
Khafji, Saudi Arabia. On 24 February 1991 after thirty-eight days of continuous air strikes the ground
offensive began. General Schwarzkopf unleashed all-out attacks against the Iraqi army. After the dust
cleared the coalition forces had defeated the once-formidable Iraqi army, 3,847 of their 4,280 tanks and
over half of their 2,880 armored personnel carriers, and nearly all 3,100 artillery were ultimately
destroyed and an estimated sixty thousand prisoners were captured. The cease-fire went into effect at
0800 on 28 February 1991, nearly after 100 hours of ground combat.
At 0300 on 15 November 1990, MAJ James Doyle, the Administrative Officer and S-3 of the 1st Battalion
158th Field Artillery (MLRS) received a call from LTC John McReynolds, 45th Field Artillery Brigade
Executive Officer. The battalion was being placed on alert for mobilization. All full time battalion
technicians, Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and civil service, were ordered to report to their respective
armories at this time. Later that morning, 10% of the battalion’s key personnel were ordered to active duty
and also told to report in.
For the next six days, these Guardsmen prepared for the arrival of the rest of the battalion. Mobilization
files were updated; coordination was made with the mobilization site, Ft. Sill, for billeting, the Unit Status
Report (USR) was updated, and a myriad of other tasks performed.
On 21 November 1990, the 1/158th FA (MLRS) was mobilized for deployment to Saudi Arabia in support
of Operation Desert Shield. The battalion had 370 deployable personnel. During the next two and a half
months, the unit would gain 39 volunteers from other National Guard organizations and 54 soldiers
assigned from the active Army. This brought the battalion to a total of 463 personnel, which was 99% of
required strength. While at the unit armories, the Guardsmen gather section gear and began Preparation
for Overseas Movement (POMs) processing.
The battalion moved to Ft. Sill, OK on 24 November 1990, and occupied barracks which had been vacated
by members of III Corps Artillery’s 75th FA Brigade which had already deployed to Southwest Asia. The
first order of business at the mobilization site was to complete POMs processing. This included updating
financial records, receiving physical and dental exams, inoculations, preparation of wills and powers of
attorney.
Upon mobilization, the battalion was rated C-1 for equipment and C-2 for personnel. The 1/158th FA
MLRS received 2 each M88 tracked recovery vehicles and 3 each M978 High Extended Mobility Tank
Trailers (HEMTTs) fuel tankers prior to rail loading their equipment. During 60 hours of continuous
painting operations, the unit had 253 pieces of rolling stock painted desert sand.
On 5 December 1990, while the unit was having its equipment painted for desert operations, the 1045th
Missile Maintenance Detachment was mobilized. The 1045th Maintenance, based out of Ft. Sill, was a
critical support unit for the 158th FA. The detachment contained repair parts and soldiers with expertise
necessary to maintain the 158th FA’s sophisticated rocket launchers. The 1045th Maintenance had 21
soldiers who were deployable when they were mobilized and eventually added two Guard volunteers, four
brought out of the inactive Guard, and 12 soldiers from the active Army.
On 6 December 1990, rail load operations began at Ft. Sill. When the train departed on 9 December 1990,
it contained 235 vehicles and trailers belonging to the 158th FA and 44 vehicles and trailers belonging to
the 1045 Maintenance.
After the departure of the unit’s equipment, the battalion concentrated on polishing individual soldier
skills and on Military Occupational Skill (MOS) refresher training. Personnel fired crew served weapons,
AT-4 sub-caliber munitions, M-203 and also zeroed and qualified with individual weapons. The Field
Artillery School helped in arranging labs for launcher crewman and Fire Direction Center (FDC)
personnel to get hands on training on Fire Direction System (FDS) computers and launcher fire control
panels. The 3rd of the 9th FA provided launchers and HEMTT’s for each battery to conduct two days of
field training. In anticipation of the predicted casualties in the upcoming conflict, emphasis was placed on
medical training. Seven medics with MOS 94A were sent to Ft. Stewart, GA for an advanced trauma
course and over eighty other members of the battalion were certified as combat life savers. Due to the
[25]
chemical threat posed by the Iraqi forces, III Corps sent representatives to the unit to insure that each
member was knowledgeable in the basic Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) skills and had in his
possession all necessary individual protective equipment.
The battalion chaplain, CPT Jason Duckworth, was busy as well during this training period, conducting
thirteen wedding services for unit members.
On the organizational level, the 1/158th FA became part of the 142nd FA Brigade. The rest of the brigade
consisted of HHB 142nd FA, 1/142nd FA (8-inch), and 2/142nd FA (8-inch). The brigade with the
exception of 158th FA was fielded and trained on light Tactical Fire Direction System (TACFIRE) upon
arrival at Ft. Sill. The 1/158th FA relied on its FDS to provide digital communications on fire direction
nets. During subsequent Command Post Exercises (CPX) it was discovered that light TACFIRE generates
several message formats that FDS does not recognize and is unable to execute. This problem was never
fully resolved.
On 15 January 1991; an advance party of 90 soldiers from the 1/158th FA and the 1045th Maintenance left
Fort Sill for Saudi Arabia. Flying out of Altus AFB, they arrived at King Fahd International Airport on 16
Jan. The 1045th Maintenance main body arrived the next day. The deployment date for the main body of
the 158th FA moved back several times due to delays at the port in shipping the unit’s equipment. The
battalion’s launcher sat at the port for over a month before being loaded aboard ship.
Impatient with the slow pace of the sea lift of the battalion’s equipment, a request came from VII Corps to
airlift an MLRS battery into the theater. On 18 January 1991, two battalion staff officers and the 122
officers and men of the Battery “A” 1/158th FA left by buses to travel to Ellington AFB to load their
tracked vehicles aboard C-5a aircraft. The first of five flights transporting the battery’s nine launchers,
four M577’s and personnel lifted off from Ellington on 21 January 1991, and touched down at King Khalid
Military City (KKMC) at 0100 on the 23rd of January 1991. The battery’s wheeled vehicles had already
arrived at the Saudi Arabian port of Dammam and were driven North by members of the battalion’s
advance party. The battery was assembled at Tactical Assembly Area (TAA) Roosevelt, 70 miles north of
KKMC, and placed under the operational control of the 75th FA Bde on the 27th of January 1991. On the
31st of January 1991, the main body of the 1/158 FA left Altus AFB aboard a TWA 747 bound for
Southwest Asia. The flight stopped at New York and Rome in route to King Fahd International Airport
were it arrived at 2230, on the 1st of February 1991. The battalion was then bused to Khobar Village (also
known as MGM) Daharan arriving in the predawn hours of 2 February 1991. On 4 February 1991, the unit
conducted a 12 hour road march convoying their wheeled vehicles to TAA Hawg, 18 km north of Hafar al
Batin. Their tracked vehicles had still not arrived in country.
On occasion, the U.S. Army was its own worst enemy. Vehicle theft became a serious problem. A ten ton
HEMTT belonging to the 1/158th FA was stolen while parked in the MGM complex. It was later found
abandoned at the port of Dammam. The vehicles were not even safe within the brigade to which the
1/158th FA and 1045th Maintenance had been assigned. An M-1028 military pickup belonging to the
1045th Maintenance was stolen shortly after being unloaded at the port. It was later recovered at TAA
Hawg in the 1/14nd FA area. Its identification plate had been removed and its bumper numbers changed
so as to make it appear that it belonged to “C” 2/142nd FA.
As a part of VII Corp’s redeployment to the west in preparation of its flanking movement of Iraqi’ forces,
“A” Battery sent it’s advance party on a 95 mile march across the desert on 13 February 1991. This was to
prepare for the launching of artillery raids into Iraq. The main body followed the next day. The purpose of
firing raids on Iraqi positions was to eliminate hostile artillery prior the maneuver force’s assault and to
rehearse the massing of fires. At 1600 on 16 of February 1991, Battery “A” 1/158th FA (MLRS), engaged 6
enemy targets with 98 rockets. By delivering 63 each of the M-77 Dual Purpose Improved Conventional
Munitions (DPICM) bomblets on Iraqi positions, Battery “A” became the first Army National Guard unit
in the war to fire on Iraqi forces. The next day, the battery fired 71 rockets on 4 targets, and on the 20
February 1991, launched 48 rockets against 4 more targets.
While Battery “A” was making history on the front lines, the rest of the battalion’s launchers finally made
port on the 16 February 1991, and were unloaded at Dammam. The launchers and M577s of “B” Battery
[26]
and “C” Battery were loaded on Heavy Equipment Trailers (HETs) and driven north to TAA Hawg,
arriving on 18 February 1991. Around the clockwork began as soon as the equipment was received. The
Self Propelled Loader Launchers (SPLLs) were uploaded with live pods and calibrated, Preventive
Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) was performed, and digital communications was established
within the battalion. Advance parties from “B” and “C” Batteries went north to join “A” Battery on the
following day. While in route to the raid position, 5 of “B” Battery’s HEMTTs were involved in a chain
reaction collision on a Main Supply Route (MSR). The accident was due to dusty road conditions which
severely limited visibility. One soldier suffered a shattered knee cap and was evacuated from the theater.
The main body of the battalion made the 60 km move north to its forward assembly area on 20 February
1991. Two days later, four days after they had received their launchers, “B” and “C” Batteries launched
raids against Iraqi targets. “B” fired 42 rockets on 6 targets at 1310 on 22 February 1991. “C” fired 25
rockets on 3 assigned targets.
On the previous night, “A” fired the first if two Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) missions for
the First Infantry Division. In a coordinated night time attack, Battery “A” fired 78 rockets on eleven
targets while attack helicopters slipped past Iraqi front-line positions to engage targets in the rear. The
battery fired on the positions as the Apaches crossed into enemy airspace and again as they returned so as
to suppress any enemy air defense efforts. The mission was successful in that the rockets were fired on
time and all helicopters returned safely. The next night the battery fired 88 rockets on the same targets in
another coordinated Apache SEAD mission. On this night, secondary explosions were noted in some of
the target areas testifying that a portion of the 56,672 bomblets fired had found their mark. This was to be
the last raid fired prior to the start of the ground offensive.
On 23 of February 1991, the battalion commander, LTC Larry Haub, and the S-3 were briefed by 75th FA
Brigade on the battalion’s role in the invasion of Iraq. The battalion’s final command and staff call prior to
the offensive was held that evening. It was anticipated that the unit would receive counter-fire to include
chemical munitions when it fired the prep. Instructions were given as to how each unit would handle it’s
killed and wounded. After the operation order was issued the meeting was concluded with a prayer and a
reading of the 91st Psalm by the battalion chaplain. Once the battle began, the protection promised in the
Psalm was with the battalion.
The threat of a Frog-7 launched preemptive chemical strike was deemed to be high. M8A1 chemical
alarms were placed within the battalion area to sound a warning if an attack occurred while the soldiers
slept. As it turned out, the weather that night and the next morning was rainy and windy. This would
quickly dissipate and chemical vapors that the Iraqis might try to deliver.
At 0530 on 24 February 1991, the battalion received the order to go to Mission Oriented Protective
Posture (MOPP) level one and all soldiers donned their chemical protective suits. At 1000 hours, “A”, “B”
and the Battalion Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and FDC moved forward to occupy positions from
which to fire the prep. Vehicles and personnel not essential to firing remained in place so as to minimize
the number that would be subject to counter fire. “C” Battery set up firing positions in the immediate
vicinity with their movement being on call from the 75th FA Brigade. The M-88 recovery vehicle
belonging to Alpha would not start so the Battalion Motor Officer (BMO) CPT Don Thomas, and a
maintenance crew from the HHS remained to fix it. The battalion S-4, CPT Joe Arrington, and Property
Book Officer (PBO), CW-3 Jesus Salazar, took the two HEMETTs, two fuel tankers, and three water
trailers to the class I point to draw fuel and rations. The battalion, led by the S-3’s High-Mobility
Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), traveled in two columns. The battalion’s TOC and FDC M-
577s were the lead tracked vehicles followed by “A” Battery in one column and “B” Battery in the other.
Earlier that morning an advance party consisting of the battalion commander, sergeant major, CSM Dale
Spruill, and the “A” Battery survey section had gone forward to locate the battalion’s preparation position.
The battalion formation’s lead element passed through a cut in the 20 ft high east west running berm
which had been constructed in the Iraqi Saudi Neutral Zone at 1030. After going through the cut in the
berm, the battalion passed U.S. troops who were holding the first of what would be many Enemy
Prisoners of War (EPWs). The S-3, in radio contact with the battalion commander, proceeded on a
heading provided by him. When the formation arrived at the commander’s location, it was quickly
[27]
discovered that the battalion 7 km too far north. The unit immediately moved to the correct location and
set up to fire. As they were occupying, “C” Battery, which had already occupied the correct location,
received a fire mission from the 75th FA Brigade and launched 11 rockets.
In planning for the maneuver’s assault on the Iraqi lines, it had been planned for the artillery to provide a
2 ½ hour prep. By the time it was fired, it had been shortened to 30 minutes. Between 1500 and 1530, “A”
Battery fired 92 rockets on 8 targets, “B” Battery 81 rockets on 6 targets and “C” Battery 25 rockets on 3
targets with one “C” Battery launcher failing to fire due to mechanical problems. The 1/158th FA delivered
127,000 M-77 bomblets on pre-selected targets during the firing of the prep. There was no counter-fire
from the Iraqi artillery. An observer on the “DivArty” fire net radioed that the effects were “tremendous”.
After the prep was fires the rest of the battalion’s vehicles and personnel closed on the forward position.
The next morning, 25 February 1991, the battalion moved in a single column through a breech which
engineers had cleared through the Iraqi defensive line. The unit utilized lane “Hotel”. While the battalion
was on the move, the grid which it was to proceed to was changed by the 75th FA Brigade. The S-3, who
was in the lead, changed direction to move to the new location. The new route, which had not been
reconned, took the column past a destroyed Iraqi gun position. The position had been fired on by MLRS
and the area was littered with unexploded bomblets. As the S-3 and the Battalion Operations and
Intelligence Officer, CPT Lance Brothers, picked their way through the ordinance, the S-3 called on the
radio for all vehicles to stay within the tracks created by his HMMWV. One HWMMV from “A” Battery
strayed and ran over a sub-munition. The explosion blew out a tire and disabled the vehicle’s
transmission, however, the occupants were uninjured. Shortly after this incident, while the battalion was
still enroute to its next location when an order was received to detach one battery and send it to the 142nd
Brigade to support the 1st U.K. The decision was made to send “A” Battery which departed the battalion
convoy. The 1/158th FA minus (-) then proceeded to link up with 75th FA Brigade. Prior to arriving
rendezvous point, “A” 6/27th FA, an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) capable MLRS battery,
joined the battalion convoy. The battalion arrived at the brigade assembly area at 1530 that afternoon.
The Battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Thomas Hills, arrived shortly thereafter and was sent to get the S-4,
BMO, PBO Bn maintenance technician, SFC David Washburn, and the fuel tankers and other support
vehicles that they had stayed behind with. These important members of the staff and the vehicles with
them would not rejoin the battalion until after the cease fire was announced.
At 1700, the battalion minus, with “A” 6/27th FA as a part of its convoy, moved north as the trail element
in the brigade convoy. The battalion moved north as a trail element in the brigade convoy. The battalion
moved in four columns abreast so as to reduce the length of the formation. The brigade traveled 28 km in
the rain that evening before stopping at 2230 to refuel, perform PMCS and sleep. The 1/158 minus (-)
traveled a total of 60 km that day.
While the battalion minus was moving to the north to join the 75th FA Brigade, “A” Battery was headed
east to support the 1st U.K.’s push into Kuwait. After leaving the battalion, the battery moved to a point 14
km east and fired a total of 66 rockets on four targets. They then spent the night at this location. The next
day, while enroute to their next firing position, the battery came upon a bunker complex where Iraqi
troops were encountered. The enemy made no attempt to surrender and was taken under fire by M-203
and M-60 from SGT Bobby Whittington and SPC Glendal Yackeschi. The bunkers were then bypassed and
“A” Battery moved a total of 28 km from their last position. Here they stopped and fired 66 rockets on 8
enemy positions.
While at this location, the “A” Battery Ammunition Platoon Leader, 1LT James Gray, took a HEMTT
tanker to fuel point to get diesel for the battery. As he was returning, his MWMMV was approached by
twelve surrendering Iraqi troops. The lieutenant stopped his vehicles and with the aid of SFC Joseph
Davis, PFC Brian Dodson, and PFC Robert Flieder began a search of the prisoners. When it became
apparent that the Iraqis were not going to be shot, another group of twelve appeared from bunkers and
gave up. LT Gray was concerned that he and his detail were going to be overwhelmed by surrendering
Iraqis, so he returned to the fuel point for help. He returned with a squad of MPs and turned over a total
of 55 EPWs to them.
[28]
“A” Battery moved another 23 km east that day and fired an additional 92 rockets on enemy positions.
This was the last launching of rockets by the 1/158th FA during the war. The battery spent the night of 26
February 1991 at this location.
The rest of the battalion left its position and resumed the march north through Iraq at first light on 26
February 1991. After traveling another 65kms, the brigade halted and was met by the VII Corps Artillery
Commander, BG Crieghton Abrams Jr., call sign Red Storm 6 (six). At this point the 1/158th FA minus (-)
was pulled from the 75th FA Brigade and sent to join the 210th FA Brigade which was supporting the 2nd
Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR). The battalion moved crossed country, un-escorted, to begin a 100 km
march to the southeast. The unit moved with three columns abreast. The march was led by the Liaison
Officer, 1st Lt Kerr who was navigating by Global Positioning System (GPS).
Prior to arriving at the 2nd ACR link up point, the 1/158th FA was informed by Red Storm 6 (six), who
was monitoring their movement by UH-1, that they would be moving through an area where EPWs were
still being taken. The area was the site of an earlier engagement between the 2nd ACR and the Iraqi 12th
Armored Division. The area had yet to be completely secured and Red Storm 6 (six) recommended that
the battalion send scouts out to screen the unit’s movement.
As the battalion arrived at the battle site, it passed smoking tanks and other destroyed Iraqi vehicles.
Apache helicopters were flying low over the area searching for any remnants of the enemy force. When the
battalion reached the rendezvous point, there was no 210th FA Brigade representative present.
Monitoring the DivArty radio net, the battalion operation and intelligence section learned that T-72 tanks
were reported to the east of their position and that division artillery units were displacing. The battalion
requested instructions and were told by the 210th FA Brigade to move to the west. After traveling 5 km,
the 1/158th FA was told to halt and assume a defensive position. The battalion stopped, put out crew
served weapons, and dug in. As darkness fell, a tank battle erupted on the horizon and continued into the
night. The battalion established digital communication with the 210th FA Brigade and then moved
forward to establish firing positions as directed by the 2nd ACR DivArty. The firing batteries received no
fire missions that night.
At 0230 on 27 February 1991, the battalion was ordered by Red Storm 6 (six) to proceed 32 km north to
join the 1st Cavalry Division in its assault on Republican Guard forces on the Iraqi Kuwait border. The
1/158th FA minus (-) was moving four hours later. They arrived at their release point at 0845 and waited
on the “Cav”.
The battalion had traveled 270 km since filling its fuel tankers. All of the vehicles in the battalion had fuel,
but the tankers were nearly empty. As the 1st Cav arrived, the battalion commander took five empty
tankers to refuel. While they were gone, the Cav Divarty assigned “B” Battery the mission of General
Support-Reinforcing (GSR) to the 1/82nd FA and “C” Battery went GSR to the 3/82nd FA. HHS fell in
with the DivArty headquarters and the units moved out.
The battalion minus moved 30 km east that afternoon before stopping with HHS and 1045th Maintenance
forming a defensive perimeter with the DivArty headquarters and “B” Battery and “C” Battery being
positioned by their respective battalions. The S-3 and liaison officer tried to trail the battalion so as to
maintain radio communications with both the battalion and the commander. Unable to accomplish this,
they rejoined the battalion.
The commander had taken the tankers to the 2nd Corps Support Command (COSCOM) as directed by
Red Storm 6 (six). Arriving there that afternoon, he found that COSCOM was out of fuel for non divisional
units. The commander left the tankers and went to another fuel point in an attempt to locate diesel for the
battalion. He was finally successful and returned at 0500 to get the tankers. They loaded 12,500 gal of
diesel and at 1000 on 28 February 1991, headed out to find the battalion.
The previous night, at 2100, the Battalion Chemical Officer, 1LT Tony Bullard, was sent back to try to
establish radio communications with the battalion commander. He was unsuccessful, and while returning
to the HHS position his HWMMV ran over unexploded ordinance which blew out both rear tires and
punctured the fuel tank. The hummer limped back the next morning with the occupants shaken but
[29]
uninjured.
While HHS was trying to locate the commander, “B” and “C” Batteries set up with their respective
battalions and awaited fire missions. They received none and a temporary cease fire was placed into effect
at 0800 on 28 February 1991.
Shortly after the cease fire went into effect, MAJ Doyle assembled 1045th Maintenance and HHS
personnel to brief them on what had happened during the last 100 hours. The Cav DivArty headquarters
received a report that a formation of Iraqi tanks was in the area and, without informing the 1/158th FA,
initiated a hasty displacement. As the S-3’s briefing was being concluded, the assembled soldiers saw half
of their defensive perimeter fly by them to the west. Realizing what was happening, they quickly followed.
The units traveled 2.5 km and established a new perimeter. They remained at this position for the next
twelve days.
At 1000 hours on 28 February 1991, “B” Battery sighted two Iraqi tanks and a BMP at a range of 2500 to
3000 meters in front of their position. The Iraqis were in a destroyed bunker complex and appeared to be
retrieving ammunition. The battery did a hasty displacement and reported the sighting to DivArty
headquarters. At about the same time, the Chemical Officer went back out with an OE-254 antenna to try
to contact the battalion commander. This time he was successful and sent the battalion’s grid to the
commander. Unexploded munitions claimed another vehicle as one of the tankers in the commander’s
convoy ran over a bomblet and lost a tire. The fuel tankers arrived at the HHS position at 1300. Two days
later, MAJ Hill’s party was monitored on the battalion command frequency. The S-3 and the O&I officer
went to a nearby MSR and located the XOs convoy. The vehicles were assembled and led back to the HHS
location.
On 8th March 1991, “B” Battery moved 28 km to the N.W. and was assigned a mission of reinforcing the
1/82nd FA. This was the farthest north any unit from the 1/158th FA traveled. “A” Battery made a 77 km
march on 9 February 1991 and rejoined the battalion. On 12 March 1991 the 1st Cavalry Division moved
south and the 1/158th FA moved east into Kuwait under the control of the 196th FA Brigade, a National
Guard unit from Tennessee. “B” Battery also moved south with the 196th FA and rejoined the battalion.
This was the 1/158th FA’s 7th (seventh) different controlling headquarters that they had operated under
in less than 3 weeks.
The day of the move, the sun was obscured by a heavy overcast of black smoke from the burning oilfield
over 20 miles away. It appeared as though it were dusk all day and the temperature was much lower than
what it had been on the previous day. The battalion experienced one more day like this at its next position.
At the direction of the 196th FA, the 1/158th FA moved 17 km north on the next day. Unexploded
munitions, which littered the area were a constant danger for U.S. troops. Over 120 were killed or
wounded after the cease fire was announced. Six members of “C” Battery witnessed and American soldier
step on an explosive near the battalion area. SGT Robert Shipley, SPC Derwin Howell, SPC John Bishop,
and SPC Preston Mills administered first aid while SGT Michael Banks and PFC Kyle Chalepah went for
help. The soldier had suffered traumatic amputation and wounds to the upper torso. He died in the hands
of the “C” Battery soldiers.
On 22 March 1991, the battalion moved 72 km west and back into Iraq. They also moved back under the
control of the 142nd FA Brigade. The 1/158th FA began its withdrawal from Iraq on 15 April 1991. At
12:20 on 16 April 1991, the last battalion vehicle passed south through a cut in the berm on the Saudi Iraqi
border. It was the same sand berm the 1/158th FA had attacked north through 51 days earlier. The
following day, they closed on their new position in northern Saudi Arabia.
The battalion spent 19 days washing vehicles and packing equipment in preparation for redeployment to
Oklahoma. The last battalion move began on 5 May 1991 when the 1/158th FA’s tracked vehicles were
loaded on HETs and driven to the Saudi port of Jabail. They arrived on the night of the 5th and the
morning of the 6th May 1991. Washing of the vehicles began on the next day and was concluded on 11 May
1991. Sixty-one members of the 158th FA and 1045th Maintenance left Saudi Arabia on the 10th of May
1991 flying out of KKMC and arriving at Altus AFB on 11 May 1991.
[30]
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
The “All-Volunteer Army” evolved from the aftermaths of the Vietnam War. Difficult lessons were learned
from using a conscripted army, in particular was the fact that it was very unpopular; especially with the
drafted conscripts themselves but more importantly with the American people whom a majority were not
in favor of a war and certainly not in favor of sending their sons and daughters to die in Vietnam. Over the
next few decades the “All-Volunteer Army” in both the active and reserve components, grew and
developed into the premier fighting force that we have seen in “Desert Storm” and “Enduring Freedom”.
The “All-Volunteer Army” was not adeptly designed to conduct long periods of combat. It’s restructuring
made it almost impossible to conduct a major war without mobilizing it’s reserve forces. The Department
of Defense remembered the lessons learned from Vietnam in regards to public support and the subtle
solution was to integrate the Active Army and the National Guard by using national guard units to
complete divisions as “round–out brigades”. This was less expensive in peace time, but if there was a
major war it would secure the hometown patriotism needed from the American people. With a ceiling of
785,000 soldiers the Army had grown from thirteen to eighteen divisions. Active-duty divisions with only
two maneuver brigades; the third divisional, or round-out, brigade would come from the National Guard.
Operation Desert Shield/Storm was the real test for the “All-Volunteer Army” and the United States sent
the best-prepared force that had ever deployed.
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) began in March 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq in with the intention of
withdrawing after hostilities had ended just as they did in Desert Storm. Major combat operations ended
by 1 May 2003, but the planned withdrawal never took place because an insurgent operation developed
due to increased sectarian violence. To meet this new threat, the U.S. military started rotating units. The
end result was an increased use of reserve forces due to the frequency of deployments. Executive Order
13223 dated 14 September 2001 authorized support of the attacks of September 11 became known as
Operation Noble Eagle, operations in Afghanistan became known as Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
and operations in Iraq became known as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Global War On Terrorism
(GWOT) began as a fight against the terrorist that attacked the United States on September 11, 2001 but
soon encompassed the invasion and occupation of Iraq as well as organization of the International
Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) which is a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) led
organization consisting of 36 NATO nations, 9 partnered nations and 2 non-aligned countries. In October
2002, the United States established Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) to combat
terrorism in the region and is headquartered at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.
On the morning of 15 February 2003 the 1/158th Field Artillery (MLRS) received alert notification to
prepare to deploy as the second wave of the initial OIF push and the battalion mobilized at its armories on
15 March 2003. The battalion traveled to Oklahoma State Military Headquarters in Oklahoma City to
undergo Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) operations on 16 through 17 March 2003. The advance party
moved to the Mobilization Station at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on 17 March 2003 followed by the complete
battalion on 18 March 2003. Operation Iraqi Freedom began the last week of March 2003 and the
battalion was scheduled to load ships on 9 April 2003 at the port of Beaumont, Texas. That day came and
went and the news that coalition forces had seized Baghdad effectively stood down the 1/158th Field
Artillery. Demobilization of the battalion started 12 May 2003 and ran onto 27 May 2003 where the units
returned back to its armories.
This history of the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and the 2nd
Detachment of the 1120th Maintenance Company, during Operation Iraqi Freedom details the structure
of the units and an outline of the challenges and triumphs of the soldiers. Preceding and concurrent to
this period in the unit’s history, Oklahoma fielded numerous elements, from individuals to battalion-size
formations, to support America’s Global War on Terrorism and to secure the Homeland from all enemies,
foreign and domestic. The battalion eagerly prepared for a combat role as American and Coalition forces
built combat power in the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility. Besides pure lethal
firepower, 1-158 FA brings to the fight an incredibly high percentage of combat veterans, men who had
served with the unit in Desert Shield and Storm, and veterans drawn from the Regular Army’s operations
in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and other missions.
[31]
1-158 Field Artillery (FA) comprises three hundred seventy two soldiers, eighteen Army Tactical Missile
System(ATACMS) capable Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), and two components of the Army
Battlefield Command Systems (ABCS): the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS) and
Force Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2). Detachment 2 consists of twenty-five soldiers who
provide direct support maintenance to the battalion.
The 1-158 FA, while located primarily in Southwest Oklahoma, draws its members from across Oklahoma,
Texas, and Arkansas. Headquartered in Lawton, Oklahoma, along with the Headquarters, Headquarters
Service (HHS) Battery, known as the “Dragons,” the battalion has five other armories. Alpha Battery,
known as the “Gators,” is located in Walters, Oklahoma. Bravo Battery, known as the “Buzzards,” is
located in Duncan and Marlow, Oklahoma. Charlie Battery, known as the “Coyotes,” is located in
Chickasha and Anadarko, Oklahoma. Detachment 2 shares an armory with HHS in Lawton.
The battalion continues a distinguished history of valor in combat. From the mud of Italy in the Second
World War through the forbidding mountains of Korea, to the sands of Iraq during the Liberation of
Kuwait, the 1-158 FA epitomizes the ideal of Cincinnatus, the Citizen-Soldier. The intense training on the
systems and skills required to deliver lethal effects that the unit undergoes each year, the battalion
approached the mission of liberating Iraq with confidence and the poise of professionals who know that
there are two types of soldiers in the world: Artillerists, and targets.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen J. Bentley took command of the battalion on 1 June 2002. His guidance to the
command directed that all training, administration, and maintenance focus on going to war. The
Department of the Army designated the battalion as part of the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, Oklahoma
Army National Guard, with the wartime mission of reinforcing the 1st Cavalry Division. The battalion
conducted four training exercises in 2002 and 2003 to hone the core competency of Command, Control,
and delivery of lethal effects. The last training exercise, taken from the ARTEP used for Annual Training,
demonstrated to the Brigade and the battalion’s Active Duty evaluators the competence and commitment
of the 1-158 FA.
The unit did not neglect its administrative duties. The Adjutant and Physician Assistant conducted not
less than three separate operations to determine administrative and medical fitness for deployment.
These actions focused the attention of the battalion, brigade, and State Area Command on shortfalls in
soldiers lacking military education, or medical and dental issues.
Maintenance continued throughout the year, with the battalion setting the standard within the state for
Operational Readiness. Supply personnel brought a glaring shortfall to the attention of higher: the
battalion was filled to eighty-five percent of total allocation. Identifying this issue sparked the Executive
Officer and his logistics experts to closely coordinate with State authorities to correct this situation. Major
Metcalfe received the Alert Notification from the 45th FA Brigade Adjutant, Major Hoskins, early morning
of 15 February 2003. He immediately notified Lieutenant Colonel Bentley, who in turn notified the staff
and battery commanders. Due to the high cost of the last training exercise conducted in February 2003,
the battalion could not call the full ten-percent of M-Day soldiers to augment the Active Guard personnel.
Regardless of this obstacle, selected M-Day soldiers were brought onto active duty using Active Duty
Special Work (ADSW).
Major Lankford directed the work on the Tactical Standing Operating Procedures (TACSOP). The
purpose for completing this key task lay in the recent introduction of AFATDS and FBCB2, and that the
1st Cavalry was undergoing a concurrent upgrade in battlefield automation to improve command and
control efficiencies. A secondary task assigned by the commander to Major Lankford required him to
review all the assessments of training made by the Army’s 290th FA Battalion, part of the 4th Brigade of
the 75th Division (Training). The end result of this exhaustive review was the identification of the
knowledge, skill-sets, and battle-drills that would require focused training after arrival at the Mobilization
Station. Unfortunately, while this review was gladly received by the members of the 290th FA Battalion,
not one individual at the Mobilization Station bothered to read it, use it, or incorporate it into the bland
training program ushered out by DPTM.
Major Metcalfe directed the work of the Advance Party in accordance with FORSCOM Regulation 500-3-3
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(RCUCH). The Logistics Officer and his team carried the lion’s share of this process to prepare the
battalion for deployment onto the Mobilization Station, Fort Sill. The Adjutant and his team ensured the
personnel readiness through coordination with State authorities for Soldier Readiness Processing at the
State HQ in Oklahoma City.
Of particular concern to the command was the absence of Detachment 2, 1120th Maintenance. This unit’s
parent HQ mobilized for Homeland Defense, and due to a recent re-flagging from 1045th Ordnance
Detachment to Detachment 2, 1120th Maintenance Company, these fine soldiers were overlooked during
the call-up for Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1-158 FA mobilized at its armories on 15 March 2003. All
soldiers assigned to the battalion reported for duty at 0700. The sense of purpose and of resolve
contributed to high morale throughout the battalion. All soldiers received briefings from their
commanders on the mission, Force Protection, and operational security.
The battalion reported to State HQ to undergo Soldier Readiness Processing operations on March 16th
and 17th. Soldiers received inoculations for Anthrax and other diseases, medical and dental fitness
checks. From this final filter, 1-158 FA released one hundred five soldiers to the Rear Detachment, and
received eighty seven soldiers from different OKARNG units to fill the gaps. 1-158 FA integrated these
Guardsmen into the ranks quickly and efficiently. Upon completion of SRP on the 17th, 1-158 FA
consisted of soldiers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Major
Metcalfe led the Advance Party onto the Mobilization Station, Fort Sill, at 1000 hours, March 17, 2003.
The party conducted the initial contact and coordination with members of the 45th FA Brigade, the
Oklahoma STARC, and Fort Sill’s Department of Plans, Mobilization and Training (DPTM). The outcome
from this meeting was the identification of points of contact, billets and motor pool assignment, and the
initial process of ordering all classes of supply.
1-158 FA reported to Fort Sill on 18 March 2003. Batteries occupied the barracks, Building 2471, and
Motor Pool without incident. Staff and commanders occupied the eastern half of the second floor of
Building 3416. The command and staff of the 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery (South Dakota Army
National Guard) occupied the other half of the floor.
The great soldiers of the battalion had four essential tasks to complete in order to deploy into the
CENTCOM Theater of Operations. The first task required the successful completion of an Army External
Evaluation. The second major task saw the load out all vehicles and equipment on rail for sea shipment.
The third task ensured medical readiness through a series of Anthrax and Smallpox inoculations. The last
task trained the soldiers on generic topics required by CENTCOM.
Prior to departure to the field for the AEE, the battalion staff was subjected to a second round of training
on the Military Decision-making Process (MDMP). The staff had received extensive training prior to this
from the officers of the 290th FA Battalion; and in a more practical manner during Field Training
Exercises held throughout 2002 and 2003. MDMP conducted in a sterile environment, that is; without
input from a Corps or Divisional HQ, lends itself to the imprecation of implausibility and the wasting of
time.
The Army External Evaluation demonstrated the battalion’s competence on its core functions of
command, control, and delivery of lethal effects. The ten-day exercise, from 25 March to 2 April 2003,
incorporated all of the tasks the battalion conducted successfully just twenty days previously, that is
during the February field exercise. The primary tactics and Field Artillery maneuver concerning the
Gordion Knot known as River Crossing were reduced to the basics of coordinated movement across a
stream.
Units were attacked by soldiers posing as Opposing Force, and as Civilians and Press on the Battlefield.
Other hurdles included simulated Chemical attacks. The soldiers of the 1-158 FA met each challenge with
aplomb, easily completing the task above a standard set by more experienced Regular Army soldiers.
During this AEE, Detachment 2 of the 1120th Maintenance Company received its Alert and Mobilization
orders. Sergeant First Class Fishgrab and his soldiers moved quickly, and joined the battalion in the field
on March 27, 2003. Their presence lifted the spirits of the soldiers in the battalion. It is always good to
see friends, soldiers you can count on regardless of the situation, joining you.
[33]
The culminating event for the battalion came early the morning of 2 April 2003, as the battalion fired one
hundred sixty-two M-28 Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR), including six “volley-fire” missions
that sent between twenty-four to thirty-six rockets down range. Mount Scott, known as the highest peak
in Southwest Oklahoma, was crowded with civilian and military spectators alike watching the fireworks
from the RRPR impacting during these stunning missions. The forward observers, veterans of the fire
support arena and used to seeing rounds impact, were amazed at the awe-inspiring display of firepower
demonstrated with such casual ease. These missions were the first such in the history of any unit of any
component in the Continental United States.
Throughout the AEE, the staff of the 1-158 FA kept its eye on the next task, the load out of all vehicles and
equipment to transshipment into theater. Close coordination with the Post Unit Movement Office and the
Logistics Operations Center operated by Fort Sill paid dividends when the battalion returned from their
live-fire.
With blocking, bracing, packing and crating materiel on hand, and helpful Subject Matter Experts from
the Post UMO at the ready, the soldiers of the 1-158 FA set to work on 3 April 2003. They cleaned all of
their vehicles, sending vehicles broken in the AEE to the Department of Logistics Maintenance Repair
Shop, while the rest loaded up.
7 thru 8 April 2003 saw the battalion and Detachment 2 undergoing the dreaded Equipment Validation
Team program. All vehicles, Protective Masks and organizational NBC equipment, weapons and Night
Vision Devices were inspected by Fort Sill’s EVT. Those items that mechanically failed the inspection
were job-ordered to the DOL Maintenance Repair Shop. Unfortunately, the replacement parts were on
back-order, in some cases equipment sat idle for up to a month after the EVT while the supply system
caught up. This delay came in large part from the intransigence of authorities to believe that Operator
level Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services identified mechanical shortcomings; or that the
maintenance management team from the battalion accurately reported systemic shortfalls deriving from
budgetary constraints.
Operation Iraqi Freedom began the last week of March 2003. The 1-158 FA followed the events closely,
with each success or snag lending further impetus to getting the battalion deployed. Soldiers paid close
attention to the excellent trainers of the Small Arms Resource Group (SARG). Soldiers worked until all
hours to ensure supplies were distributed, vehicles not in the repair shop were loaded, and that they
absorbed the lessons their sergeants and Unit Advisors imparted.
Throughout the load-out period, Fort Sill personnel were quick to point out how surprised they were to
see the battalion’s forward momentum carrying it so quickly through the process. At one point the Post
HQ, in a semi-joking manner, declared that they, the HQ, would have to slow the battalion down. The
Chief of the Movement section admitted that he had kept his people from reporting the battalion’s status
to FORSCOM. April 9th was supposed to be the battalion’s day to load ships at the port of Beaumont,
Texas. That day came and went while vehicles awaited repair parts.
16 April 2003 came with mixed news. The 3rd Infantry Division, with other American and coalition
forces, had seized Baghdad and effectively ended main-force combat in Iraq. The battalion was placed “on
hold” until CENTCOM and FORSCOM could enact a branch plan that would decide whether the 1-158 FA
would deploy into theater, assume a Homeland Defense mission, or demobilize. Soldiers began the
agonizing process of continuing the process to deploy in spite of rumors otherwise.
21 April 2003 brought news that the battalion would demobilize, after being validated by Fort Sill. The
date was set at 27 May 2003. Within hours of the word coming down, soldiers began the process of
clearing out of their billets and Motor Pool. Soldiers brought in from across the OKARNG and other
states were processed for return, ostensibly to flesh out the 1-160th FA as it received the mission to guard
four Army facilities as Homeland Defense. Detachment 2 would remain on active duty to support
returning III Corps Artillery units until the 19th Maintenance Battalion was fully back to work.
1-158 FA returned to its armories on 12 May 2003. Soldiers engaged in inventories and cleaning the
[34]
armories. Staff handled the myriad missions of legally and correctly demobilizing the battalion, with the
added futility of State Area Command pulling equipment from Detachment 2 and personnel and
equipment from the battalion. Regardless of the new-found status as State resource pool, the 1-158 FA
remains ready to serve the Nation and the State of Oklahoma with all the skill, knowledge, and vigor as
befits the modern Cincinnatus.
On 3 June 2005 the 1/158th Field Artillery Battalion (MLRS) battalion received alert orders notifying
them of a possible 18 month mobilization and a likely deployment as a Security Force (SECFOR)
Company. In this uncertain time Iraqi sectarian war, bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, torture and
insurgency theirs was an uncertain mission. A Security Force Company is not the traditional field artillery
stand-off combat role and the unit would likely perform security patrols, provide security escorts and
guard main supply routes. This change of mission announcement resulted in infantry-style close-combat
training at Camp Gruber, near Braggs, Oklahoma. Soldiers trained in full “battle-rattle” including body
armor and Kevlar helmets, weaponry adding 35 pounds of additional weight. Soldiers trained on the M-4
carbine, 9mm pistol, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), M-240B machine gun and the 50 caliber
machine gun as well as short range marksmanship, convoy operations and Military Occupations on Urban
Terrain (MOUT) skills.
Captain Charles Neely of Bravo Battery was selected as the SECFOR Commander and 152 selected men
reported to the Lawton, Oklahoma armory on August 2005 to ready for the deployment. The SECFOR
Company boarded onto a plane and flew to Joint Base McCord-Lewis, Washington for theater specific
training. They arrived at McCord Air Force Base and were billeted in the WWII-style barracks at North
Fort Lewis. Here the soldiers spent three months training to be a Security Force Company. After
successful completion of multiple tasking that encompassed convoy security, detainee operations,
personnel security, base security, door-to-door urban combat and patrolling for Improvised Explosive
Devises (IED’s), the soldiers were given four-day passes and authorized to travel to Oklahoma to see their
families. In November 2005 the SECFOR traveled to the east training center at Yakima, Washington for
two weeks of final training spending their Thanksgiving there.
Simultaneously in August 2005, 95 soldiers from the 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery were sent to assist
in Hurricane Katrina relief operations. They were part of the 2,000 national guardsmen composing Task
Force Oklahoma and one of the first units to arrive in New Orleans.
The soldiers returned from Yakima in December 2005, started their journey to Camp Buehring where
they spent two weeks in Kuwait climatizing and training. The training area was out in the desert away
from Camp Buehring and here the company was exposed to its first experiences with the Bedouin people
and for many their first glimpse of camels. In late December 2005 the SECFOR Company boarded a plane
bound for Logistics Support Area (LSA) Anaconda, Balad which is approximately 40 miles north of
Baghdad. Mortar rounds and rockets were fired into the base on a daily basis and the soldiers dubbed it
the nickname “Mortar-ville” and “LSA Bombaconda.” Here the SECFOR ran missions on Main Supply
Route (MSR) Tampa and always being aware of the new threat, the Explosively Formed Penetrators(EFP)
that could melt through armor. The SECFOR replaced the Kentucky Army National Guard unit that had
already lost two soldiers and had over 20 injuries on these routes. Due to the numerous fatalities on MSR
Tampa the odds were shifted against the SECFOR with even the SECFOR Commander’s convoy getting
ambushed at the infamous checkpoint 59-Alpha.
After a few weeks in Balad the mission had changed and the SECFOR was sent to Baghdad where they
were attached to the 49th Military Police Brigade. There were no more company-level missions which
ultimately resulted in the company being split up and parceled out to different platoons. A majority of the
SECFOR ended up at Camp Liberty in Baghdad with a Personnel Security Detail (PSD) and Police training
mission. Others of the SECFOR headed to Camp Delta, near Al Kut by the Iranian border and Camp Echo
near Diwaniyah with the mission to train up the Provincial Police. Camp Delta was a coalition ran camp,
the mayor’s cell was headed by a Polish officer with Polish, Ukrainians, El Salvadorans and Armenians
under his auspices. Although the separated SECFOR had different missions the only common mission was
staying alive.
The 142nd Infantry Regiment of the Texas Army National Guard replaced the SECFOR Company and
[35]
conducted a Relief In Place-Transfer of Authority (RIP-TOA) in November 2006. The RIP is sometimes
called the “left seat-right seat” and is the formal train up of the new unit so there will be a seamless
transition on the day that the new unit assumes command. The TOA is the paper work bureaucracy
required and the finality is normally a formal ceremony symbolizing the transfer of authority. Once this
occurs there was nothing left to do but prepare for the journey to home station. The 1/158th Field Artillery
was re-organized into a 152-man SECFOR Company, they deployed, they conducted over 1,400 missions,
they logged in over 125,000, miles and returned home with 152 men. The first stop on the journey home
was Camp Virginia, Kuwait where they spent Thanksgiving Day 2006 and then reaching Fort Sill,
Oklahoma to a rousting welcome on 27 November 2006.
In May of 2006, President Bush requested 6,000 National Guard troops to slow the tide of illegal
immigration across America’s southern border named Operation Jump Start. The intent is to use
guardsmen to assist and support the Border Patrol while additional agents were trained up. In August
thirty-eight guardsmen from 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery deployed to Deming, New Mexico to help
in the effort to improve security along the Mexican and U.S. border.
Beginning in 2007 new Army transformation changed the 45th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) to the 45th
Fires Brigade (FiB) and the 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery being it’s organic shooter began its
conversion from a MLRS to a High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) battalion. They were
assigned nine tactical vehicle 5-ton trucks of the 114 vehicles built. The HIMARS can be airlifted by a
variety of aircraft, it is built on a wheeled chassis, has a single six-pack of rockets, can launch the entire
MLRS family of munitions. On 25 April 2007 of that year the 1/158th Field Artillery tested the air mobility
capability of the HIMARS with the assistance of the 58th Airlift Squadron from Altus Air Force Base. In
under 30 minutes they loaded three of the launchers and two High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled
Vehicles (HMMWVs) onto a pair of C-17 cargo and then flew from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas and conducted a 18 rocket live fire.
The year 2008 started off with “C” Battery of the 158th Field Artillery being named the Alexander
Hamilton Best Army National Guard Battery in 2007. The award is named for Alexander Hamilton, a
Revolutionary War Artilleryman and American statesman and it annually recognizes a high-performing
Army National Guard battery based on specific criteria. The battery is commanded by Captain Donald A.
Anderson and its NCO leader is First Sergeant Dennis R. Cooper.
On 17 August 2008, the 45th FiB was alerted and began its mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. On 19 August 2008, 900 Guardsmen of the brigade headed to Fort Hood, Texas for
mobilization training. The brigade consists of a Headquarters unit based in Enid, Oklahoma, the 1st
Battalion 158th Field Artillery (HIMARS) with units in Lawton, Walters, Duncan, Marlow, Chickasha and
Anadarko, Oklahoma and the 1st Battalion 271st Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) with units in Altus,
Hobart, Clinton, Elk City and Weatherford, Oklahoma. The 158th Field Artillery would be organized to
perform force protection missions in Iraq for Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) a non-standard field
artillery mission. Once at Fort Hood the Guardsmen will conduct 65 days of mission-specific training
together with individual warrior task training that the brigade had conducted the prior 11 months.
On 7 December 2008, the first wave of Soldiers from the 1-158th Field Artillery arrived in Camp Ramadi
and replaced the 1st Bn of the 125th Infantry of the Michigan ARNG in support of the transition of
security to the Iraqi people. Here they began their operations by conducting camp security, security for
Logistical Package (LOGPAC) or administrative runs, Personal Security Details (PSD) for the Provincial
Reconstruction Teams (PRT) and they secured the Provincial Government Center (PGC) and provided
PSDs for the Provincial Police Training Team (P-PTT), and assume responsibility of the Base Defense
Operations Center (BDOC). On 31 July 2009 the 1/158th Field Artillery cases its colors and transfers
command of Camp Ramadi to Colorado ARNG’s 3rd Battalion 157th Field Artillery. In August 2009 the
battalion returned to Fort Sill with a standing ovation and a introduction by Brig. Gen. Robbie Asher
remarking “Despite repeated enemy attack, they never failed to safeguard the people they were assigned
to protect”.
The 21st Century called for the closing of many National Guard and Army Reserve armories and
relocating them in a process known as the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). A new 45 million dollar
[36]
state-of-the-art facility called a Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) was constructed on Fort Sill,
Oklahoma. This facility co-located Army Reserve and Oklahoma National Guard units into a single
complex. This new AFRC spanned 28 acres and included four main buildings: a 125,000 square foot
training center; a 25,000 square foot maintenance facility; a 48,000 square foot heated storage building;
and a 4,600 square foot unheated storage building. In February 2011 the 1st Bn 158th FA had completely
moved from their old armories in Lawton, Walters, Duncan, Anadarko, and Hobart, Oklahoma into the
new AFRC on Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
The next few years turned out to be a high Optempo year for the Army National Guard. Captain Sean
Bryant, Battery Commander of Battery “A”, 1-158 FA BN (HIMARS) was notified of its future deployment
to Afghanistan to provide artillery support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Mandatory certifications in
providing artillery support capabilities is required for deployment and all training was focused on
validating the certifications. Battery “A” validated after completing weeklong training from 23 thru 27
September 2013, at Oro Grande, New Mexico. The validation culminating with the M-142 HIMARS
launcher crews firing approximately 34 rockets.
On 14 October 2013, Battery “A” deployed to Afghanistan to support the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) by providing field artillery fires to Regional Command South (RC-South), specifically
Combined Task Force (CTF) Duke, of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in the Zabul
province of Afghanistan. The battery was split into three locations, two locations in RC-S, Forward
Operating Base (FOB) Apache and Kandahar Airfield (KAF) with the third location in Regional Command
West (RC-West) at Shindand Airfield which are in the Zabul and Herat provinces, respectively. First
Lieutenant Christopher Lanham and Master Sgt. Earl Johnson and a portion of the battery were placed at
KAF to perform non-standard artillery missions.
Originally all of the equipment and launchers for Alpha Battery were located at Shindand Airfield. After
the equipment and launchers were moved and positioned, First Lieutenant Bill McGill, Staff Sgt. Michael
Gildow and Staff Sgt. Tommy Bryant had the over whelming task of setting up operations on a FOB with
limited resources available. Within 48 hours of having launchers on the ground at FOB Apache the task
was completed and “A” Battery was capable of providing HIMARS coverage in support of CTF Duke.
On 16 January 2014, “A” Battery’s Launcher Four-Two (4-2) of the 1st Fires Platoon received a fire
mission and they launched two rockets on enemy targets, destroying an enemy communications repeater
sight that insurgents were using against the coalition forces, making this the first time since Desert Storm
that the158th Field Artillery fired rockets in support of the GWOT. Soldiers of Battery “A”,1-158 FA BN
(HIMARS) returned home July after 11 months and were replaced by their sister unit, Battery “B”,1-158
FA BN (HIMARS). Battery “A” left Afghanistan on July 1st and included a stop at Fort Bliss, Texas where
they spent eight days at the Fort Bliss Joint Mobilization Station (JMS)and then an overnight bus trip to
Mustang, OK.
On 6 May 2014, Battery “B”, 1-158 FA BN (HIMARS), under the command of Captain Randall F. Wright,
arrived at Fort Bliss, to begin mobilization training for their upcoming deployment. This would be “B”
Battery’s final opportunity to conduct live-fire training on their core military occupational specialties
before they deployed overseas. Since November female soldiers had been integrated into the all-male unit.
Pfc. Makyla K. McKean and Pfc. Jerra-Amie N. Hodges both fire direction specialist, who would be
controlling aspects of the fire missions and paving the way for females serving in combat arms. The
battery is specialized in the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which is light multiple
rocket launchers mounted on a standard Army tactical truck. They departed Fort Bliss, TX on 16 June
2014 and returned 9 January 2015, completing a 7 month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
STATIONS OF ORGANIZATION
The following stations are derived from the “Official National Guard Register” for the respective year of
stationing. If there is no unit listed as stationed, it is because the unit was not federally recognized, and if
no year is listed, it is because it remained the same.
[37]
1922
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Battery “A” @ Pueblo, Colo., Battery “C” @ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery
“D” @ Flagstaff, Ariz., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Medical Department Detachment @ Williams, Ariz.
Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
1923
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Battery “A” @ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery “B” @ Denver, Colo., Battery
“C” @ Pueblo, Colo., Battery “D” @ Flagstaff, Ariz., and Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz. Armament: 3 @ 75-
mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
1924
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Regimental Headquarters @ Tulsa, Okla., Medical Department
Detachment 1st Battalion @ Pueblo, Colo., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @
Hugo, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Denver, Colo., 1st Battalion Headquarters Detachment and
Combat Train @ Denver, Colo., Battery “A” @ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery “B” @ Denver, Colo., Battery “C”
@ Pueblo, Colo., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters
Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @ Flagstaff, Ariz., Battery “E” @ Mesa,
Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing
Battery.
1925
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Regimental Headquarters @ Tulsa, Okla., Medical Department
Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @ Weatherford, Okla., Battery “E” @
Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing
Battery.
1926
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Regimental Headquarters @ Anadarko, Okla., Medical Department
Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @ Weatherford, Okla., Battery “E” @
Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing
Battery.
1927
158th Field Artillery Regiment: Regimental Headquarters @ Anadarko, Okla., Headquarters Battery
@ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @ Hugo, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Enid, Okla., Battery “A”
@ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery “B” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion
Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train @
Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @ Weatherford, Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @
Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
[38]
1928
Detachment @ Anadarko, Okla., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @ Hugo, Okla.
Band Section @ Chickasha, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Enid, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters
Detachment and Combat Train@ Clinton, Okla., Battery “A” @ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery “B” @
Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla.
2nd Battalion Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @
Weatherford, Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-
mm Horse Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
1929
Detachment @ Yale, Okla., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @ Hugo, Okla., Band
Section @ Perry, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Anadarko, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters
Detachment and Combat Train @ Clinton, Okla., Battery “A” @ Roswell, N. Mex., Battery “B” @
Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 2nd
Battalion Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @ Weatherford,
Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse
Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
1930-1931
Detachment @ Yale, Okla., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @ Hugo, Okla., Band
Section @ Perry, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Anadarko, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters
Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Oklahoma City, Okla., 2nd
Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Horse
1936
Detachment @ Yale, Okla., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery @ Duncan, Okla.,
Band Section @ Perry, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters
Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 2nd
Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Kingfisher, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-mm Tractor
1939
Detachment @ Yale, Okla., Headquarters Battery @ Sulphur, Okla., Service Battery (Less Band) @
Kingfisher, Okla., Band Section @ Lawton, Okla., 1st Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher, Okla., 1st
Battalion Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train @ Clinton, Okla., Battery “A” @ Roswell, N. Mex.,
Battery “B” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Perry, Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters @ Kingfisher,
Okla., 2nd Battalion Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train @ Kingfisher, Okla., Battery “D” @
Weatherford, Okla., Battery “E” @ Mesa, Ariz., and Battery “F” @ Duncan, Okla. Armament: 3 @ 75-
mm Tractor Drawn Guns per Firing Battery.
1942
158th Field Artillery Battalion: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Camp Barkeley, Tex.,
Battery “A” @ Camp Barkeley, Tex., Battery “B” @ Camp Barkeley, Tex., Battery “C” @ Camp Barkeley,
Tex., and Service Battery @ Camp Barkeley, Tex. Armament: 4 @ 105-mm M101A1 Towed Howitzers
per Firing Battery.
1947
158th Field Artillery Battalion: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Duncan, Okla., Battery
“A” @ Chickasha, Okla., Battery “B” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Weatherford, Okla., and Service
Battery @ Minco, Okla. Armament: 6 @ 105-mm M101A1 Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery.
[39]
1952-1958
1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Chickasha, Okla.,
Battery “A” @ Duncan, Okla., Battery “B” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “C” @ Weatherford, Okla., and
Service Battery @ Minco, Okla. Armament: 4 @ 105mm Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery.
1959-1962
158th Artillery: Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, 1st Howitzer Battalion @ Chickasha,
Okla., Battery “A”, 1st Howitzer Battalion @ Pauls Valley, Okla., and Battery “B”, 1st Howitzer Battalion @
Duncan, Okla. Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Howitzer Battalion @ Minco, Okla.,
Battery “A”, 2nd Howitzer Battalion @ Anadarko, Okla., and Battery “B”, 2nd Howitzer Battalion @
Weatherford, Okla. Armament: Each “A” Battery has 6 @ 105mm Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery
and each “B” Battery has 6 @ 155mm Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery.
1963
1st Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery: Headquarters Battery @ Chickasha, Okla., Service Battery
@ Chickasha, Okla., Battery “A” @ Pauls Valley, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan, Okla., and Battery “C” @ El
Reno, Okla. Armament: 6 @ 105mm Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery.
1965
1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery: Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery @ Chickasha,
Okla., Battery “A” @ Pauls Valley, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan, Okla., and Battery “C” @ Enid, Okla.
Armament: 6 @ 105mm Towed Howitzers per Firing Battery.
1968
1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Lawton, Okla., Battery
“A” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan, Okla., and Battery “C” @ Chickasha, Okla. Armament: 4
@ 8-inch (205-mm) Towed Howitzer per Firing Battery.
1971
1st Battalion (8-Inch-SP) 158th Artillery: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Lawton, Okla.,
Battery “A” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan, Okla., and Battery “C” @ Chickasha, Okla.
Armament: 4 @ 8-inch (205-mm) M110 Self Propelled Howitzers per Firing Battery.
1975
158th Field Artillery: 1st Battalion (8 inch) (Self-Propelled): Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
@ Lawton, Okla., Service Battery @ Lawton, Okla., Battery “A” @ Anadarko, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan,
Okla., and Battery “C” @ Chickasha, Okla. Armament: 4 @ 8-inch (205-mm) M110A1 Self Propelled
Howitzers per Firing Battery. 2nd Battalion (Honest John): Headquarters, Headquarters and Service
Battery @ Oklahoma City, Okla., Battery “A” @ Marlow, Okla., Battery “B” @ Walters, Okla., and Battery
“C” @ Healdton, Okla. Armament: 2 @ 762-mm Rocket Honest John per Firing Battery.
1987
1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery (MLRS): Headquarters Battery @ Lawton, Okla., Service Battery
@ Lawton, Okla., Battery “A” @ Lawton, Okla., Battery “B” @ Duncan, Okla., and Battery ”C” @
Chickasha, Okla. Armament: 9 @ M270 Self Propelled Loader Launcher per Firing Battery.
2006
1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery (HIMARS): Headquarters and Headquarters Battery @ Ft. Sill,
Okla., Battery “A” @ Ft. Sill, Okla., and Battery “B” @ Ft. Sill, Okla. Armament: 8 @ M142 High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System per Firing Battery.
[40]
BATTALION COMMANDERS
The following officers are known to have commanded or were interim commanders of the 158th Field
Artillery during its existence:
158th Field Artillery Regiment 1st Battalion-158th Artillery (8-Inch-SP)

COL Charles A. Holden MAJ Hanns C. Schwyzer
COL Grover C. Wamsley LTC Joe A. Wheeler
1st Battalion-158th Field Artillery LTC Marshall L. Bathurst
Regiment LTC Norman Eugene Duckworth
MAJ Richard H. Jancke 2nd Battalion-158th Artillery (HJ)
MAJ William Q. Howell LTC Melford L. Scott
LTC Marion D. Woodworth MAJ Loyd J. Greenfield
LTC Edgar B. Ross LTC Robert E. Clark
2nd Battalion-158th Field Artillery 1st Battalion-158th Artillery (8-Inch-SP)
Regiment LTC Merrill B. Burrus Jr.
MAJ John J. McCartney LTC Jerry D. Simmons
LTC Otis M. Smith LTC Ronald W. Holt
LTC Clarence R. Steele LTC Johnny L. B. McWhirter
158th Field Artillery Battalion LTC Kenneth W. Bray
LTC Russell D. Funk LTC Jim R. Swafford
LTC Albert E. Huber 1st Battalion-158th Field Artillery (MLRS)
LTC Paul E. Scheefers LTC Charles J. Frazier
LTC Charles W. Cleverdon LTC Larry D. Haub
LTC Harlan V. Logsdon LTC Thomas L. Hills
LTC John H. Carter LTC James L. McBride
158th Field Artillery Battalion (NGUS) LTC James L. Doyle
LTC John R. Northup LTC Robert W. Roshell
LTC Elon L. Hiller LTC Allen J. Bentley
1st Battalion-158th Artillery LTC Douglas L. Brown
LTC Chester Bishop 1st Battalion-158th Field Artillery
LTC Robert E. Shipman (HIMARS)
2nd Battalion-158th Artillery LTC Gregory L. Lankford
LTC James D. Bell LTC Robert E. Sowards
LTC Frederick J. Rice LTC Jerald R. Gilbert
1st Howitzer Battalion-158th Artillery LTC Frank M. Horton
LTC Larry E. Stephenson LTC Craig M. Robinson
LTC Charles L. Neely
[41]
[42]
[43]
[44]
[45]
[46]
LINEAGE AND HONORS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
12 May 2014
158TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
Constituted 26 February 1920 in the Oklahoma National Guard as the 158th Field Artillery.
[47]
Organized 1921-1923 from new and existing units (less Battery A, allotted to the New Mexico
National Guard and Battery E, allotted to the Arizona National Guard); Headquarters Federally
recognized 15 May 1923 at Anadarko.
Inducted into Federal service 16 September 1940 at home stations.
Regiment broken up 11 February 1942 and its elements reorganized and redesignated as follows:
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery disbanded.
1st Battalion as the 158th Field Artillery Battalion and assigned to the 45th Infantry Division, (2nd
Battalion as the 207th Field Artillery Battalion- hereafter separate lineage).
158th Field Artillery Battalion inactivated 24 November 1945 at Camp Bowie, Texas.
Consolidated 27 September 1946 with Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery (reconstituted 25

August 1945 in the Oklahoma National Guard), reorganized, and Federally recognized as the
158th Field Artillery Battalion with Headquarters at Chickasha.
Ordered into active Federal service 1 September 1950 at home stations.
(158th Field Artillery Battalion [NGUS] organized and Federally recognized 3 November 1952
with Headquarters at Chickasha).
Released 30 April 1954 from active Federal service and reverted to state control; Federal
recognition concurrently withdrawn from the 158th Field Artillery Battalion (NGUS).
Reorganized and redesignated 1 May 1959 as the 158th Artillery, a parent regiment under the
Combat Arms Regimental System, to consist of the 1st and 2nd Howitzer Battalions, elements of
the 45th Infantry Division.
Reorganized 1 April 1963 to consist of the 1st Battalion, an element of the 45th Infantry Division.
Reorganized 1 February 1968 to consist of the 1st Battalion.
Reorganized 1 December 1971 to consist of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion.
Redesignated 1 May 1972 as the 158th Field Artillery.
Reorganized 1 May 1975 to consist of the 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Reorganized 1 April 1977 to consist of the 1st Battalion.
Withdrawn 1 June 1989 from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the
United States Army Regimental System.
1st Battalion ordered into active Federal service 21 November 1990 at home stations; released 23
May 1991 from active Federal service and reverted to state control.
1st Battalion ordered into active Federal service 15 March 2003 at home stations; released from
active Federal service 27 May 2003 and reverted to state control.
Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 158th Field Artillery Regiment.
1st Battalion, ordered into active Federal service 19 August 2008 at home stations.
[48]
Reorganized 1 September 2008 to consist of the 1st Battalion, an element of the 45th Infantry
Brigade Combat Team.
1st Battalion released from active Federal service 22 September 2009 and reverted to state
control.
CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT

World War II
• SICILY (with arrowhead)
• NAPLES-FOGGIA (with arrowhead)
• ANZIO
• ROME-ARNO
• SOUTHERN FRANCE (with arrowhead)
• RHINELAND
• ARDENNES-ALSACE
• CENTRAL EUROPE
Battery B (Lawton), 1st Battalion, additionally entitled to: NORTHERN FRANCE
Korean War
• SECOND KOREAN WINTER
• KOREA, SUMMERR-FALL 1952
• THIRD KOREAN WINTER
• KOREA, SUMMER 1953
Southwest Asia
• LIBERATION AND DEFENSE OF KUWAIT
• CEASE-FIRE
War on Terrorism
Iraq :
• IRAQI SURGE
• IRAQI SOVEREIGNTY
DECORATIONS
French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, Streamer embroidered ACQUAFONDATA
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1951-1953
Battery C (Lawton), 1st Battalion, additionally entitled to:

Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered SALERNO
BATTALION COLORS
Organizational flags or standards; which every battalion is entitled to carry; and is called “colors”. It is the
heart and soul of the organization. Depicted below is the 158th Field Artillery Battalion Colors and is the
embodiment of the spirit, history and tradition of the battalion.
Colors are authorized for regiments and separate battalions organized under the regimental system and
these are known as “color bearing” units. These units are authorized a Coat of Arms and this forms the
basis for the unit's Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), which is the emblem called the Unit Crest and is worn
by all members of the respective unit on their dress uniforms. The unit is also authorized an official motto,
this is a sentiment manifested from their history; perhaps even a battle-cry; but it is expressive of the
unit’s ideal.
[49]
The colors are made of silk, in a color representing their branch. They have a 3-foot hoist by 4-feet fly and
trimmed on three edges with a fringe of yellow silk 2-1/2 inches wide. In the center of the colors is an
embroidered American eagle displayed centered thereon. In its right talon the eagle holds an olive branch;
in its left talon, a bundle of 13 arrows, all in proper colors. Its’ beak grasps a white scroll inscribed with the
unit motto. Below the eagle is a white scroll inscribed with the designation of the organization. On the
eagle’s breast is embroidered the shield of the coat of arms and the crest is above the eagle’s head. The
battalions of the regiments are authorized duplicate organizational colors of the parent regiment, however
each battalion number is embroidered in the upper fly end of the color.
The coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield and it forms the central element of the full
heraldic achievement. The design of the coat of arms is based on the history, honors, and mission of each
particular regiment. The crest reflects the history and honors of each regiment or separate battalion. The
most important item displayed on the coat of arms is the greatest combat of the unit, no matter when it
occurred. The shield, crest and motto form the organizational shield.
The shield of the 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery Battalion is per chevron debased Gules and Vert, three
broad arrows one and two, points meeting at apex of partition line Or, in base a fleur-de-lis of the like.
The dominant colors, scarlet and yellow, are for Artillery. The broad arrow-a large missile thrown by
machine-was an early version of artillery. The three broad arrowheads represent the recognition awarded
the organization for service in Sicily, Naples and Southern France. The green wedge symbolizes
mountainous Italy, and the fleur-de-lis is for French and Central European service.
A complete coat of arms consists of a crest, a shield, and a motto. The name or number of the organization
must not appear on the shield or the crest. The design must conform to the rules and best practices of
heraldry and must be historically correct. The shield must be of simple design. The most important thing
to show on the coat of arms is the greatest combat feat in the history of the unit, no matter when it
occurred. If there is one outstanding achievement, it should be made the basis of the arms; everything
else will be omitted. If there is no such preeminent deed, the organization’s combat history should be
[50]
considered, and the most important wars in which the unit participated selected. Special prominence
should be given to the most ancient incidents in its combat record, particularly to the one in which the
regiment received its baptism of fire.
Organizational Shield
Blazon Shield:
Per chevron debased Gules and Vert, three broad arrows one and two, points meeting at apex of partition
line Or, in base a fleur-de-lis of the like.
Crest:
That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Oklahoma Army National Guard: On a wreath of the
colors Or and Gules an Indian’s head with war bonnet all Proper. The crest is that of the Oklahoma Army
National Guard.
[51]
Motto:
“UNUSUAL EFFORTS EXPENDED”
Symbolism Shield: The dominant colors, red and yellow, are for Artillery. The broad arrow-a large missile
thrown by machine-was an early version of artillery. The three broad arrowheads represent the
recognition awarded the organization for service in Sicily, Naples and Southern France. The green wedge
symbolizes mountainous Italy, and the fleur-de-lis is for French and Central European service.
Historical Background: The coat of arms was originally approved for the 158th Field Artillery Battalion on
14 January 1952. It was redesignated for the 158th Artillery Regiment on 2 November 1960. The insignia
was redesignated for the 158th Field Artillery Regiment on 19 July 1972.
[52]
DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA
The 158th Field Artillery Regiment was activated in 1920, but the design of the regimental distinctive unit
insignia was not adopted by the War Department until April 1933. The approved insignia was designed by
Technical Sergeant Charles E. Tompkins, a member of the Regular Army Instructor Force of the division
assigned to the artillery. The adopted insignia for the 158th Field Artillery Regiment was a white Indian
quiver with gold fringe. Three arrows protruded from the top of the quiver representing the three states
of Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico, in which units of the regiment were located. The three States
were further represented in the insignia by symbols placed on the quiver. The top one (avanyu and or
awanyu) representing Arizona was an Indian good luck symbol, the middle one (setting sun) representing
New Mexico was the setting sun, and the third representing Oklahoma was a star (mullet voided). This
design was also submitted as the official Coat of Arms, along with the unit motto of: “VIRTUTE
OMNIBUS PRAESTARE”, or “To excel all in respect to courage and valor”. The unit motto was accepted
however by using the design as the official Coat of Arms was ultimately disapproved.
When the Division was triangularized in 1942 during World War II, the 158th Field Artillery Regiment
became a battalion. Though it took considerable time be consummated, the Institute of Heraldry of the
United States Army desired that a new insignia be designed and adopted for the 158th Field Artillery
Battalion and the regimental insignia of the 158th be preserved for past regimental historical purposes
and use in any future activation of a 158th Field Artillery Regiment.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 158th Field Artillery Battalion on 14 January
1952. It was redesignated for the 158th Artillery Regiment on 2 November 1960. The insignia was
redesignated for the 158th Field Artillery Regiment on 19 July 1972. It was a gold color metal and enamel
device 1 1/4 inches in height consisting of the shield, crest and motto of the coat of arms. The dominant
colors, red and yellow, are for Artillery. The broad arrow-a large missile thrown by machine-was an early
version of artillery. The three broad arrowheads represent the recognition awarded the organization for
service in Sicily, Naples and Southern France. The green wedge symbolizes mountainous Italy, and the
fleur-de-lis is for French and Central European service. The Motto: “UNUSUAL EFFORTS EXPENDED”.
[53]
ORGANIZATIONAL SHOULDER PATCH
Following World War I the National Defense Act of 1920 created the authority to form the Forty-fifth
Infantry Division from the four states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico which was then
organized in 1923. A shoulder patch was designed which represented the division. It had a red square
representing the four states in which units of the 45th were located, the red and yellow colors were
indicative of the Spanish heritage of the area, and the swastika had been selected as a typical American
Indian symbol.
For the first 15 years of its existence as a division, members of the 45th Division proudly wore on their left
shoulders an ancient “good luck” symbol, the swastika, in yellow on a square red background. But when
the swastika was adopted by Adolph Hitler and his Nazi party in Germany during the late 1930s, it
became an odious symbol and was abandoned in the fall of 1938 as the insignia of the 45th Division.
While members of the 45th took off their swastikas and wore no insignia for many months, the adjutants
general and commanders of units of the 45th Division in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona
called on guardsmen and citizens of all four states to suggest designs for a new insignia. Hundreds of
designs were submitted, and a board of officers was appointed to consider all of the designs and
recommend one for adoption.
The board composed of Colonel George Ade Davis, Chief of Staff, 45th Division; Lt. Col. Clyde M. Howell,
finance officer, 45th Division’ Lt. Col. Ellis Stephenson, G-3, 45th Division; Major Bryan W. Nolen,
Executive Officer, 90th Brigade; and Captain Ross H. Routh, Headquarters, Oklahoma National Guard,
and in the spring of 1939 held the first meeting of the board, held in Oklahoma City. Members went
through all of the designs and discarded those that were considered too fanciful, those that were not
representative of all four states, and others that were lacking in symbolism.
[54]
In a discussion following this action, members of the board agreed that the new insignia should retain the
original red square background and the red and yellow colors of the original insignia, with a new design
replacing the swastika. All suggested designs which did not meet these criteria, or which could not be
adapted to meet them, were then eliminated from consideration. Colonel Davis then asked Woodrow
Wilson Big Bow, a local Native American Indian artist to design the thunderbird. “Woody” Big Bow; a
member of the infamous “Kiowa Five” artists; sketched many renditions of the Thunderbird, eventually
designing the divisional shoulder patch.
On 13 April 1971, Department of Army General Orders No. #21, was published with an effective date of 30
June 1971. This order inactivated the Fourth United States Army Command and transferred all personnel
and units to the Fifth United States Army Command Continental United States (CONUS). Then on 30
November 1971, a reorganization of the Oklahoma National Guard converting them to the newer Army
Tables of Organization and Equipment placed the 45th Field Artillery Group under the training auspices
of the Fifth United States Army. The 158th Field Artillery Battalion is reorganized under the “G” Series
Table of Organization and Equipment, Command and Control transfers from the deactivated Fourth
United States Army to the Fifth United States Army, resulting in the battalion wearing the Fifth United
States Army shoulder sleeve insignia.
[55]
Then on 1 September 1980, MG Robert M. Morgan, Adjutant General, authorizes all Oklahoma National
Guard units to don the Thunderbird shoulder patch again. The 158th Field Artillery now sewed the
“Thunderbird” patches back onto their fatigues.
On 1 October 1996 Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade was
consolidated and designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade.
They were authorized to submit a design for a new shoulder sleeve insignia and on 25 March 1997 a new
insignia was approved and authorized for wear and the 158th Field Artillery Battalion now wears the 45th
Fires Brigade.
Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow are the colors traditionally used by the Field Artillery units. The field piece
denotes the brigade’s affiliation and mission while the “Thunderbird” and arrowhead suggests its heritage
and history.
[56]
GUIDONS
Guidons are unit identification markers for the batteries of the battalion. A guidon is a swallow-tailed unit
marker, 20-inch hoist by a 27-inch fly; the swallowtail end forked 10 inches. Guidons are the same color
as the organizational color with the applicable branch insignia centered between the battalion number
above and battery letter below the insignia. Guidons are carried by units participating in parades, reviews,
and displayed in the field and forward-deployed locations.
Silver bands awarded to units are component parts of the guidon. Silver bands to indicate campaigns are
placed on the flagstaff below the guidon.
In addition to the silver bands authorized by the War Department, guidon-bearing organizations may
attach to staffs of guidons bands to represent any service credits earned in the service of the United States,
or while a separate unit not attached to a regiment or equivalent command or as a part of an organization
from which it has since been separated.
[57]
100 Years of Service
3955 Cannoneer Field Road
Fort Sill, Oklahoma 73503
[58]
Library of Congress PCN # 2018957292

158th Field Artillery Volume Number 1 The Centennial Review

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158th Field Artillery Volume Number 1 The Centennial Review

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One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth

158th Field Artillery Battalion

Copyright © 2019 by John T. Jenson

Tec. 4 John C. Athey 20830709 15 July 1943

1 Lt. Charles L. Warner O-10573529 16 June 1952

Volume No. 1 “Centennial Review”

100 YEARS OF SERVICE

MB. 325.4--Okla. February 26, 1920

From: The Chief, Militia Bureau.

To: The Adjutant General of Oklahoma.

Subject: Additional allotment of National Guard units.

THE COLD WAR

PERSIAN GULF WAR

158th Field Artillery Regiment 1st Battalion-158th Artillery (8-Inch-SP)

158TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT

Inducted into Federal service 16 September 1940 at home stations.

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery disbanded.

Consolidated 27 September 1946 with Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery (reconstituted 25

Ordered into active Federal service 1 September 1950 at home stations.

Reorganized 1 February 1968 to consist of the 1st Battalion.

Reorganized 1 December 1971 to consist of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion.

Redesignated 1 May 1972 as the 158th Field Artillery.

Reorganized 1 May 1975 to consist of the 1st and 2nd Battalions.

Reorganized 1 April 1977 to consist of the 1st Battalion.

Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 158th Field Artillery Regiment.

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT

Battery B (Lawton), 1st Battalion, additionally entitled to: NORTHERN FRANCE

Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1951-1953

Battery C (Lawton), 1st Battalion, additionally entitled to:

3955 Cannoneer Field Road

Fort Sill, Oklahoma 73503

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